Rodriguez Becomes 53rd Former Dragon to Play in MLB

Dayton, Ohio-Eddy Rodriguez, a member of the 2007 Dayton Dragons, made his Major League debut for the San Diego Padres today. Rodriguez became the 53rd former Dragons player to reach the big leagues. Rodriguez belted a home run in today's game.

Ironically, Rodriguez made his debut against the Reds and former Dragons teammates Drew Stubbs, Chris Heisey, Zack Cozart, and Todd Frazier today in Cincinnati.

Rodriguez appeared in 83 games for the Dragons in 2007, hitting .236 with six home runs and 33 runs batted in. He spent three years in the Reds organization (2006-'08) before playing independent professional baseball in 2009 and '10. He signed with the Padres organization in 2011 and was playing at Advanced-A Lake Elsinore when he was promoted to the Padres on Tuesday.

Rodriguez is the first former Dragon to debut in the big leagues in 2012.

The Dragons host the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Field tonight at 7:05 p.m. Major league reliever Nick Masset will start the game for the Dragons on an injury rehabilitation assignment.

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling (937) 228-2287, by email at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.