Transitioning from a reliever to a starter is no easy task for a pitcher, but Dominique Rodgers, the Southern Ohio Copperheads ace, is proving it can be done.
Coming out of Kent State's bullpen the past two seasons, Rodgers was ready to return to his natural position. Rodgers pitched well in relief, including a 4-5 record with a 4.11 ERA in his junior campaign, but he yearned for an opportunity to start.
I am a starter
Rodgers said. But when I went to Kent I was put in long relief. We had an upperclassman coming back from surgery so he became the starter.
Rodgers' performance as a reliever may have earned him a starting role at the professional level. The Minnesota Twins recently selected Rodgers in the 36th round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft.
The Twins were interested in seeing Rodgers as a starter, and Copperheads' coach Mike Deegan knew summer ball provided that chance.
After he was drafted
the Twins wanted to see him in the starting role a little bit
Deegan said. We have this opportunity for him to get some of that experience.
So far, Rodgers has capitalized on the opportunity.
After two starts this summer, Rodgers sports a 1-0 record with a 2.45 ERA. The right-hander has also struck out 17 batters in his 11 innings of work.
Although his pitching is paramount to the team's success, Rodgers contributes to the Copperheads' success off the field as well.
He's a real good teammate
Copperhead outfielder Matt Stiffler said. He's always up in the dugout talking and cheering for us to win the game. He's a good player and he's done a lot for our team.
Despite being drafted, Rodgers remains unsure about where he will play next season.
I still have a year left at Kent to play and we have a great program there
so I have no problem going back
Rodgers said. When I get out of school
I'm going to be on my own
so a lot of my decision is based on how much (the Twins) offer me.
Deegan said that he, along with the Kent State staff, would sit down with Rodgers to talk about his options. Money and Rodgers' summer progress would be primary factors in the decision, Deegan said.
Whatever he chooses for next season, Rodgers is unwavering in his ultimate goals.
(I want to continue to) face real strong guys because when you face good talent than you become better yourself
Rodgers said. I just want to become more consistent and hopefully get to the league as fast as possible.
