Eduardo Rodriguez stays with Tigers after blocking Dodgers trade

DETROIT — Tigers ace Eduardo Rodriguez used his no-trade clause to veto a deal Tuesday and remain with Detroit, general manager Scott Harris said.

Harris confirmed the team had an agreement on a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and also confirmed that Rodriguez exercised his no-trade clause before Tuesday’s trade deadline, although he declined to say if Rodriguez specifically blocked the deal with L.A.

Sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan earlier Tuesday that Rodriguez invoked his 10-team no-trade clause — that included the Dodgers — to block a deal that was in place between the two teams.

“We reached an agreement that he was not comfortable with,” Harris said.

The left-handed Rodriguez can opt out of his $77 million, five-year contract after the season and become a free agent, or he can choose to play out the deal that pays him $18 million in 2024, $16 million in 2025 and $15 million in 2026.

“We’re excited to get Eduardo back,” Harris said. “He sent a very strong message that he likes it here.”

Detroit was unable to deal Rodriguez despite his 6-5 record with a 2.95 ERA this season, and a career record of 75-49, in large part because of his contract.

If he chooses to opt out of his deal following the season, the team that could have added him ahead of the trade deadline would have him on the mound for a short time.

If the 30-year-old Rodriguez had a significant injury with his new team, it would risk having a banged-up pitcher on the payroll for three seasons and $49 million.

“His performance is a fit for every team in baseball,” Harris said. “However, there were contractual headwinds that influenced his market.”

Rodriguez has bounced back this season after going 5-5 in just 17 starts last year, his first in Detroit after cashing in on his strong run with the Boston Red Sox.

In June of last year, the Tigers placed Rodriguez on the restricted list after he informed them that he would not rejoin the team due to personal matters. He returned later in…