3 Sean Rodriguez 2B

Rodriguez went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts and made an error Wednesday against the Cubs, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

"Tough evening for sure (for Rodriguez)," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We've seen a little bit more of that. He's working to try to figure some things out and we're trying to give him an opportunity to figure some things out." His hot-hitting series in Cincinnati following the All-Star break seems like a distant memory. Rodriguez has struck out 10 times in his last 19 plate appearances, going just 1-for-17.

Rodriguez will start at shortstop and bat eighth Sunday against the Mets.

Rodriguez's versatility will earn him his fourth start in five games, with the utility man playing three different positions over that stretch. Unfortunately for fantasy owners who scooped Rodriguez up after his big series in Cincinnati last weekend, the 33-year-old has since followed up with no hits and five strikeouts in 10 at-bats.

Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with his fifth homer of the season in Sunday's 9-2 win over Cincinnati.

He's started all three post All-Star break games at second base, going 6-for-12 with a double, two homers and six RBI. Starting second baseman Josh Harrison isn't far from returning -- he could be back as soon as Monday, but Rodriguez is hot right now. It wouldn't be surprising to see manager Clint Hurdle find a spot for the 33-year-old, even if Harrison returns against the Indians.

Rodriguez will start at second base and bat seventh Sunday against the Reds, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

After a nearly month-long stint on the disabled list, Rodriguez made an impact in his return to action Friday, finishing 3-for-4 with a home run, a walk, four RBI and three runs. He turned in a more modest 1-for-4 effort in Saturday's contest, but Rodriguez will earn a third straight start in the series finale with Josh Harrison (hamstring) confined to the bench. Should Harrison's injury result in a move to the DL, Rodriguez would likely continue to see the bulk of the action at the keystone.

Rodriguez's three-hit, four-RBI performance Friday snapped a 2-for-38 slump that started May 20.

He's had a dreadful showing in 2018, both at the plate and in the field. The slick fielder has already totaled five errors in limited play. As a result, there have been calls for the team to release Rodriguez, especially with prospects Kevin Newman and Kevin Kramer waiting in the wings at Triple-A. While it remains to be seen whether Rodriguez finishes the year with Pittsburgh, for at least one night he showed the potential which made him a fine utilityman for several seasons. Rodriguez is slashing .165/.289/.314 with four homers in 142 plate appearances.