SAN FRANCISCO -To say that Dereck Rodriguez is making a name for himself is an understatement.
The rookie pitcher finished his year with 19 starts and a 2.81 ERA. This is the lowest by a Giants rookie since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958. Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm, was the last Giants rookie to have a lower ERA (2.43) which he posted in 1952 for the New York Giants.
Dereck was asked after the game about how he felt about his overall performance this season.
“I’m proud of the season I’ve had.” Rodriguez said. “Regardless of what happened today I’m super happy.”
When he was brought up at the beginning on the 2018 season he admitted he wasn’t expecting much but when the opportunity came he seized the moment.
“I got called up and everybody was healthy, the Shark and Johnny were getting back so I really thought I was gonna be up here for a couple outings out of the bullpen. I did my thing and I changed a lot of people’s minds.” Rodriguez said.
With the majority of the Giants main rotation out, young pitchers like Rodriguez became essential during the season to keeping the team afloat. However, Dereck’s success with the Giants hasn’t gone to his head and his focus in the coming offseason was to again prove himself and to earn a returning spot on the Giants rotation.
“Im gonna go into spring training like it’s my first day,” Rodriguez said. “I’m just going to go in there and be ready and try to make the roster.”
Giants manager Bruce Bochy also reflected on Rodriguez’s season.
“He should look at the body of work he’s done,” Bochy said. “This guy has done an unbelievable job, what a nice year for him.”
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