PITTSBURGH – The smile on Endy Rodríguez's face might have been even bigger than the one Pittsburgh Pirates fans have come to know and love. And for good reason.
After two separate arm surgeries limited the former top prospect to just 18 games since the end of the 2023 season, Rodríguez is finally back where he belongs. The Pirates recalled the 25-year-old catcher on Tuesday, marking a long-awaited return to the big leagues.
"You can't imagine how excited I am to be here, around the guys, around the energy that we have," Rodríguez said, beaming outside his locker in the home clubhouse. "It's one of the greatest things to happen this year."
The timing couldn't be better. Pittsburgh needed a catcher after placing Joey Bart on the 10-day injured list with a left foot infection. The decision came down to Rodríguez and Rafael Flores Jr., and the Pirates opted for the player with more experience in the organization.
"Tough decision between him and [Flores]," said manager Derek Shelton. "Honestly just felt like Endy was a little bit more prepared for how he's seen a lot of our guys more over the years. The energy and positivity stand out, especially for a guy that has had a really tough two years when it comes to injury bug."
Rodríguez impressed during spring training but was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis to start the season, allowing him to get regular at-bats and make up for lost time. While the start was slow, he's found his rhythm lately and returns to Pittsburgh feeling confident.
"I was trying to find the best version of myself," Rodríguez said of his recent surge. "I was doing all the stuff to get back here. Now I'm back here."
His last appearance at PNC Park came on June 6, 2023, when he made an early exit in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. At that time, the Pirates were all but eliminated from contention. This time, Rodríguez joins a team that enters play Wednesday four games over .500, with legitimate postseason aspirations.
"This is a different energy," Rodríguez said. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to help this team win."