Fernando Rodney

Fernando Rodney (born March 18, 1977) is a Dominican–American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.

He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, and Washington Nationals.

Rodney was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1997.

He spent 1999–2003 in the minor leagues, moving from the Gulf Coast League to the International League.

Rodney made his MLB debut in MLB in 2002, and joined the 300 save club in 2017.

Rodney made his Major League debut 2002 at the age of 25 and split his time between the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens and the Tigers from 2002 to 2005.

Rodney underwent Tommy John surgery following the 2003 season (which he spent in the minor leagues).

He spent the 2004 season recovering and failed to make the Tigers opening day roster after 2005 spring training.

In 2005, Rodney became the Tigers closer after Troy Percival went down with an arm injury and his replacement, Kyle Farnsworth, was traded at mid-season to the Atlanta Braves.

He was called up from Toledo after Farnsworth was traded, then settled into the closer role, earning nine saves in 39 total appearances, during which he racked up a 2.86 earned run average.

When the Tigers signed closer Todd Jones during the 2006 off-season, Rodney was reinserted into a middle relief/setup role.

Rodney embraced the role as the Tigers proceeded to have their most successful season in recent history.

On July 3, 2006, at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and Rodney each threw multiple fastballs clocked in at over 100 mph, becoming the first time in MLB history that three pitchers on the same team had done so during one game.

Rodney was part of the 2006 World Series roster—Rodney's first World Series appearance.

The Tigers would end up losing the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Rodney started 2008 on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis.

He re-joined the big league club in mid-June.

On July 27, Rodney was announced as the Tigers' new closer, replacing Todd Jones.

Rodney was not particularly successful as a closer in 2008, saving only 13 games in 19 opportunities (68%) and pitching to a 4.91 ERA.

He was much more reliable in 2009, converting 37 of his 38 save opportunities (97%).

He also led the American League with 65 games finished in 2009.

Following the 2009 season, the Tigers offered arbitration to Rodney, which he rejected to pursue a multi-year deal.

He was expected to be one of the more valuable closers on the market because as a "Type B" free agent, he would only cost teams a supplementary draft pick.

His 1.40 ground ball-to-fly ball ratio ranked first that year among free-agent closers.

Originally, the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies were rumored to be interested in signing Rodney.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were also reported to be in serious discussions with his agent.

On December 24, 2009, Rodney signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Although he closed for the Detroit Tigers in 2009, "Rodney is expected to share setup duties with Scot Shields and Kevin Jepsen and close on a fill-in basis when Brian Fuentes is down", the Los Angeles Times reported.

Rodney stated, "I think I'm a different pitcher in save situations", referring to his lower ERA in save situations.

He filled in April for Angels' closer Brian Fuentes when he went on the disabled list with a strained back.

Three days after the Angels traded Fuentes to the Minnesota Twins on August 27, 2010, it was officially announced that Rodney would be the new closer by manager Mike Scioscia.

On April 5, 2011, Rodney was replaced by Jordan Walden as the full-time closer.

In late September 2011, Rodney became frustrated after a lack of relief appearances and asked Angels general manager Tony Reagins for a trade.

He won the MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award and American League Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2012.

He throws a 95 mph fastball, and a palmball in the low 80s.

Rodney is a cousin of Alfredo Fígaro.

Rodney signed a $1.75 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2012 season.

In the 2019 season, following Ichiro Suzuki's retirement, Rodney became the oldest active player in Major League Baseball and was the last player born in the 1970s to play in the Major Leagues.

Rodney won a World Series championship with the Nationals in 2019.

Rodney is a three-time MLB All-Star.