Somerset Patriots Re-Sign Infielder Alfredo Rodriguez

Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have re-signed infielder Alfredo Rodriguez for the 2018 season.

“Last year was a great experience for me personally, so I am definitely excited to be back,” said Rodriguez. “We for sure have some unfinished business. In Somerset, it is all about winning. I am ready to get back and get to work.”

Rodriguez enters his second season with the Somerset Patriots and second in the Atlantic League. The natural shortstop hit .257 with a home run, 32 RBI and 14 stolen bases with the Patriots last year. 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). Additionally, Rodriguez hit .412 (7-for-17) with three runs in the playoffs.

The Oak Hill, Virginia native also set a couple of team milestones during the 2017 season. He was the only player to score four runs in a game; a feat he accomplished twice (May 1 at New Britain and June 26 vs. Southern Maryland). He was also tied for the longest hitting streak on the team (June 28 – July 20) and owned the season’s second longest on-base streak (20 games, June 17 – July 20). He hit .397 (31-for-78) over that 20-game stretch.

“It is a privilege to be joined again by Alfredo this year,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “Alfredo is a true professional in his work ethic and preparation. ‘Rod’ is extremely coachable and works very hard to try and improve his skills. He played a great shortstop for us last year but is also capable at many positions on the field. Rod can also handle the stick and became one of our most reliable hitters last year, hitting anywhere in the lineup. He is a tremendous guy in the clubhouse and that, mixed with his skill set, makes him a complete player.”

Prior to joining Somerset, Rodriguez spent the previous two seasons with the Joliet Slammers (Frontier League). Rodriguez never missed a start in his two seasons with the Slammers, both years leading the league in games played (96).

In 2015, Rodriguez batted a career-high .287 over 96 games with 18 stolen bases. He hit .281 with a career-high 21 stolen bases over 96 games played the following season.

Rodriguez has always held an on-base percentage of .341 or higher in each of his six professional seasons. That includes a career-high .385 OBP last year in Joliet. His career on-base percentage stands at .364.

The University of Maryland alumnus was originally drafted in the 17^th 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 owns a career .272 average with 13 home runs, 197 RBI and 86 stolen bases over six professional seasons.

The Somerset Patriots led the Atlantic League in attendance and made their 14th appearance in the playoffs last season. The Somerset Patriots will welcome their 7,000,000th fan in their 20th season at TD Bank Ballpark in 2018.  Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Season presented by Ford beginning at home on Friday, April 27^th. For more information, please 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 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 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.