The energy at PNC Park was electric on Thursday afternoon, but it wasn’t just because of the beautiful May weather. The Pittsburgh Pirates faithful gathered to witness a long-awaited comeback that has been years in the making. The Endy Rodriguez return to the major leagues finally arrived, and the young catcher didn't disappoint, leading the Pirates to a commanding 7-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
A Triumphant Endy Rodriguez Return to the Majors
After missing the entirety of the 2024 season and the vast majority of 2025 due to a grueling series of elbow injuries, Endy Rodriguez stepped back onto a big-league diamond for the first time since June 6, 2025. The 25-year-old switch-hitter looked like he hadn't missed a beat, providing the offensive spark the Pirates have desperately needed in their quest for NL Central relevance.
Rodriguez finished the day 2-for-3 with a walk and two crucial RBIs. His first big moment came in the second inning when he laced a double off Rockies starter Chase Dollander. He followed that up in the third with a sharp two-run single that extended the Pirates' lead and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. For a player who has endured Tommy John surgery, flexor tendon repair, and a subsequent ulnar nerve procedure over the last 24 months, the performance was a testament to his resilience.
Pirates Offense Explodes Early at PNC Park
While the focus was on Rodriguez, the rest of the Pirates' lineup made sure to provide plenty of support. The scoring started early in the first inning when Ryan O'Hearn, who has been a steady veteran presence for Pittsburgh, blasted a two-run home run to center field. O’Hearn finished the game 3-for-4, falling just a triple shy of the cycle and scoring twice.
The Pirates' youth movement was also on full display. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin and infielder Jared Triolo each collected two hits, keeping the pressure on a beleaguered Rockies pitching staff. Pittsburgh’s aggressive approach on the basepaths and disciplined plate appearances allowed them to race out to a 6-0 lead by the end of the third inning, effectively putting the game out of reach early.
Strategic Pitching and the Opener Success
Pirates manager Don Kelly utilized a creative pitching strategy to navigate the Colorado lineup. Knowing the Rockies featured several dangerous left-handed bats, Kelly opted for an "opener" approach, starting with left-handed relievers Mason Montgomery and Evan Sisk. The move successfully neutralized the top of the Rockies' order before turning the ball over to Carmen Mlodzinski.
Mlodzinski (3-3) earned the win, tossing five solid innings of relief. Although he allowed two runs, he remained composed while pitching with a significant lead. By using the lefties early, the Pirates protected Mlodzinski from his season-long struggles against left-handed hitters, allowing him to attack the righty-heavy middle of the Colorado order with confidence. This tactical victory highlights the evolving management style in Pittsburgh as they maximize their roster's strengths.
Injury Concerns for Rockies' Chase Dollander
On the other side of the diamond, the Colorado Rockies faced a significant setback beyond the scoreboard. Their starter, Chase Dollander, was forced to exit the game just two batters into the second inning. The club later announced that Dollander was experiencing right arm tightness, a concerning development for a young pitcher who has been a bright spot in their rotation this season.
The Rockies' bullpen was forced into early action, with Brennan Bernardino and Victor Vodnik struggling to contain the Pirates' momentum in the middle innings. While Troy Johnston provided a late spark for Colorado with a two-run double, the Rockies were unable to overcome the early deficit, marking their sixth loss in their last seven appearances at PNC Park.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Rodriguez
The successful Endy Rodriguez return provides more than just a box-score boost; it brings a much-needed emotional lift to the clubhouse. Known for his infectious personality and versatile defensive skills, Rodriguez allows the Pirates to be more flexible with their catching rotation, especially with Joey Bart currently sidelined. If Rodriguez can continue to provide this level of offensive production, the Pirates may have found the missing piece to stabilize their lineup for the summer months.
Sources & Original Reporting
