Fernando Rodney

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 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.

Rodney playing for the Detroit Tigers in 2009

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 2002–2005.

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.

Following the 2009 season, the Tigers offered arbitration to Rodney, which he rejected to pursue a multi-year deal.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7]

Rodney with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2011

On December 24, 2009, Rodney signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10]

Three days after the Angels traded Fuentes to the Minnesota Twins on August 27, 2010,[11] it was officially announced that Rodney would be the new closer by manager Mike Scioscia.[12] 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.[13]

Rodney's bow and arrow pose in 2013, with the Tampa Bay Rays

Rodney signed a $1.75 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2012 season. While Kyle Farnsworth was on the 60-day disabled list, Rodney performed in the closer role and maintained that role after Farnsworth returned from his injury. He was selected on July 6 to participate in his first ever All-Star Game.[14] On that date, he had converted 24 of 25 save opportunities. At the end of the 2012 season, Rodney had converted 48 saves, the second most that season behind Jim Johnson of the Baltimore Orioles. His 0.60 earned run average for the season was the lowest by a qualifying relief pitcher in major league history.[15] On October 19, 2012, Rodney was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year and the Delivery Man of the Year[16] During his time with the Rays, Rodney mimed shooting an arrow to high center field after converting a save as his celebration move.

Rodney pitching in bullpen with the Seattle Mariners in 2014

On February 6, 2014, Rodney signed a 2-year, $14 million contract with the Seattle Mariners.[17] After leading the American League in saves in the first half of the season, Rodney was named as a late addition to the AL All-Star team, taking the spot of David Price (who had pitched the Sunday before the game and thus could not pitch in the actual All-Star Game). Rodney finished the 2014 season with a franchise record 48 saves, beating Kazuhiro Sasaki with 45 saves.

The Mariners designated Rodney for assignment on August 22, 2015.[18] In 2015 with Seattle he was 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA.

Rodney was traded to the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations on August 27, 2015.[18] He wore jersey #57, the first time in his career in which he wore a number other than 56. His Cubs debut came on August 28 at Dodger Stadium, where he already blew a save during the season. He pitched a scoreless eighth despite hitting a batter and throwing a wild pitch.

Rodney during his tenure with the San Diego Padres in 2016

On February 4, 2016, Rodney signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the San Diego Padres.[19] On April 11, 2016, Rodney pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his first save as a Padre in a win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rodney during his tenure with the Miami Marlins in 2016

On June 30, 2016, Rodney was traded to the Miami Marlins for Chris Paddack.[20] He was 2-3 with them with a 5.89 ERA.

On December 9, 2016, Rodney signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[21] Rodney recorded his first win for the Diamondbacks on opening day and his first save in his next appearance on April 5, 2017.[22][23] On June 7, Rodney became the 42nd pitcher all-time to finish 500 career games. On September 22, Rodney became the 28th pitcher all-time to record 300 career saves in a victory over the Miami Marlins.[24][25]

Rodney pitching for the Minnesota Twins in 2018

On December 15, 2017, Rodney signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. The contract included incentives that could increase the amount to $6 million, as well as a 2019 team option.[26]

On August 9, 2018, the Twins traded Rodney to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Dakota Chalmers.[27] In 22 games for the A's, Rodney served as a setup man. He pitched to a 3.92 ERA in ​20 ²⁄₃ innings. In 2018 he was the third-oldest player in the American League.[28]

On May 25, 2019, Rodney was designated for assignment by the Oakland A's. The A's released Rodney three days later.[29] He had a 9.42 ERA in 17 appearances.

Rodney(Left) chatting with Yan Gomes in the 2019 Washington Nationals

On June 1, 2019, Rodney signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.[30] On June 25, he was called up to the major leagues.[31]

His combined record in 2019 was 0-5 with two saves and a 5.66 ERA in 47.2 innings.[28] He was the second-oldest player in the major leagues, behind Ichiro Suzuki.[28] Rodney became the fourth player to appear in all rounds of the postseason (Wild Card, Division Series, Champion Series, and World Series) in both the AL and NL.[32]