Aneury Rodriguez named International League Pitcher of the Week

The International League announced today that Aneury Rodriguez has been named the League's Pitcher of the Week for the period from April 19-25. Rodriguez joins Jeremy Hellickson (April 12-18) to make Durham the first team in the IL to win multiple weekly awards in 2010.

In his first two starts at the Triple-A level, Rodriguez could hardly have been more impressive. After looking sharp in two starts at Double-A Montgomery, Rodriguez was promoted to Durham where he was given the ball for Tuesday's game at Charlotte. In 7.0 innings, Rodriguez did not allow a runner past second base. He gave up just a walk and four hits while striking out six as Durham cruised to an 11-0 victory. Last night against Gwinnett, he was just as dominant. Once again going 7.0 innings, Rodriguez surrendered just one hit and two walks while striking out four.

In two starts so far at the Triple-A level, Rodriguez has allowed five hits and three walks in 14.0 innings for an amazing WHIP of 0.57. Opposing batters are hitting just .109 against him. Rodriguez and teammate Jeremy Hellickson are the first ever pair of Durham Bulls to bring home IL Pitcher of the Week awards in consecutive weeks. The last team to accomplish the feat was Indianapolis with Eric Hacker and Daniel McCutchen in August of 2009.

22-year-old Rodriguez is in his sixth year as a professional pitcher. Originally signed by the Rockies, Rodriguez was dealt to Tampa Bay last April in exchange for pitcher Jason Hammel. He spent all of 2009 with Double-A Montgomery, going 9-11 with a 4.50 ERA. Rodriguez is a native of Higuey, Dominican Republic.