All-Star Game and Team MVP Alfredo Rodriguez To Return To Somerset Patriots

​Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have announced the first member of its 2019 roster in the signing of Atlantic League All-Star shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez.

“I’m extremely excited to be back with this first-class organization,” said Rodriguez. “It is a special organization to me from top to bottom. I look forward to bringing a championship back to Somerset!” 

Rodriguez enters his third season with the Somerset Patriots and third in the Atlantic League. The everyday shortstop enjoyed a breakout 2018 season that saw him achieve a number of accolades, including both Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star honors, the All-Star Game MVP award and the Patriots’ team MVP award.

As for stats, Rodriguez led the Patriots in games played (122), at-bats (432), hits (131), runs (69), and RBI (55). His .303 batting average ranked second on the team and 10th in the Atlantic League, while his .395 on-base percentage was also second on the team and fourth in the league. He set a career-high with five home runs: fourth most on the team.

The Oak Hill, Virginia native led all Atlantic League shortstops in batting, on-base percentage, games, runs, doubles, and walks (58). He also ranked second amongst shortstops in at-bats, hits, RBI and stolen bases (17). Defensively, Rodriguez played in more innings (1,034.2) and recorded more put-outs (190), assists (309), and double plays (76) than any other shortstop in the league.

“What better guy to kick off the 2019 signing class than our team MVP in Alfredo,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “Alfredo truly put together a spectacular 2018 season in every facet. And it was not through streaky success; but through sustained, consistent play day-in and day-out. It is a manager’s dream to have someone play for you that you know brings passion, energy and great, consistent play every day to the field. “Rod” is a leader in our clubhouse and we are fortunate to have him back again.”

Rodriguez also shined on the league’s biggest stage, going 3-for-3 from the plate in the Atlantic League All-Star Game. He reached base four times and recorded two RBI – including the game-tying and walk-off game-winning runs – en route to being named the game’s MVP.

At the end of the regular season, Somerset Patriots fans voted Rodriguez as the team MVP. His impressive season carried over to the Atlantic League playoffs, where he went 7-for-16 from the plate, good for a team-best .438 batting average. He also scored a pair of runs, drew a team-high five walks and finished with a .591 on-base percentage over five games.

The University of Maryland Alum also excelled in 2017 with the Patriots. He led the team in doubles (20), ranked second in games played (112), at-bats (405), hits (104) and finished third in runs (57) and walks (50) that season. Additionally, Rodriguez hit .412 (7-for-17) with three runs scored in the 2017 playoffs.

He was originally drafted in the 17th round of the 2012 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He spent the first three years of his career in the Brewers organization, including a season with High-A Brevard County in 2014. Rodriguez then spent his next two seasons with the Joliet Slammers (Frontier League), where he never missed a game, leading the league in games played both years.

The Somerset Patriots will be back in action on Friday, April 26th for Opening Day at TD Bank Ballpark. Stay up to date on all the team news throughout the offseason online; on all of our social media platforms, and on our mobile app. For more information, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 70 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB.  The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.