Eduardo Rodriguez has been working this offseason to improve the precision of his slider and the introduction of a cutter, the Providence Journal reports.

Rodriguez has been working this offseason to improve the precision of his slider and the introduction of a cutter, the Providence Journal reports.

Analysis:

The slider is seen as a critical third pitch for the left-hander against whom lefty hitters had a measure of success. Seven of the 13 homers he surrendered last year were to left-handed hitters, and lefties slugged 159 points higher against him than righties.