We have our second player to reach the 20-game on-base mark, and it is a name Orioles fans have become familiar with this season.
Outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez put together a 20-game on-base streak with the Norfolk Tides from May 1 through May 28. Let’s take a look at both the streak and the journey that brought him here.
Rodríguez was originally selected in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians out of Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy. He spent his first two professional seasons in the Arizona Rookie League, establishing himself as a contact hitter with a disciplined approach at the plate.
That profile followed him throughout much of Cleveland’s farm system before a power surge arrived in 2022. After hitting just 15 home runs across his first 227 professional games, Rodríguez erupted for 21 home runs in 79 games with High-A Lake County. He finished the season with Double-A Akron and totaled 26 home runs between the two levels.
He followed that breakout campaign with an even stronger 2023 season, launching 29 home runs. Eighteen came with Akron, while the other 11 came with Triple-A Columbus.
Rodríguez made his Major League debut with Cleveland on May 21, 2024. In 13 games, he collected four hits, five RBIs and nine walks. While he hit just .129, his ability to draw walks helped him post a respectable .325 on-base percentage.
He spent the remainder of the season in Triple-A, where he once again hit 29 home runs while batting .301.
On March 25, 2026, Rodriguez was designated for assignment before being traded to the Orioles four days later in exchange for right-hander Carter Rustad. For context, Rustad currently owns a 2.67 ERA in 16 appearances for Double-A Akron.
Rodríguez opened the season with Triple-A Norfolk before receiving a call-up to Baltimore on April 16. He has appeared in just five big-league games this season and, while still searching for his first hit, has recorded an RBI and drawn three walks.
Now, let’s get to the streak.
The run began on May 1 when Rodriguez went 1-for-2 with a single and a walk. Over the next 20 games, he slashed .352/.464/.588 with a 1.052 OPS.
During the streak, Rodríguez collected 24 hits, seven doubles, three home runs, eight RBIs, and 15 walks. His batting average peaked at .342 during the stretch, while his slugging percentage climbed above .500.
There were also several notable performances along the way. Rodríguez posted a 10-game hitting streak from May 3 through May 17, drew four walks in a single game and reached base despite going hitless in three contests. He recorded six multi-hit games, including a three-hit performance in which he finished a triple shy of the cycle.
Norfolk went 9-11 during Rodríguez’s impressive streak.
While Rodríguez is still working to establish himself in the majors, Triple-A pitchers know exactly how dangerous he can be. He currently owns a .305 batting average and an .870 OPS with Norfolk.
Interestingly, only three of his hits have left the yard this season, but Rodríguez’s value does not come solely from power. He is the type of hitter who can collect 26 hits and pair them with 25 walks. He consistently finds ways to get on base, and that alone makes him a difficult matchup.
So, there we have it — our second Battery Breakdown of the 2026 season. Several players are currently hovering near the 20-game mark, meaning another streak could be highlighted before long. Stay tuned for more.
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