Chihuahuas Set to Debut First-Ever Native El Pasoan on the Diamond

As a fairly young baseball club, the El Paso Chihuahuas still find ways to get fans excited about tons of "firsts."

Today, the club optioned right-hander Fernando Rodriguez to El Paso, which marks the first time an El Paso native will have the opportunity to suit up for the Chihuahuas.

Rodriguez, a 34-year-old pitcher, graduated from Franklin High School and was drafted in the 11th round of the 2003 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels. Since his stint with the Angels farm system, which spanned from 2003-10, Since then, Rodriguez played for Houston, Oakland, Chicago (Cubs), Boston and then picked up in free agency by the Chihuahuas.

He has appeared in 216 MLB games and saw big league time with the Angels, Astros and Athletics.

Although the Chihuahuas (1-4) won't be able to give Rodriguez a homecoming until next week, he should hope to be integrated with this pitching staff to help them out down the stretch. El Paso will return home next Tuesday after back-to-back road series against Tacoma and Reno.