How SF Giants’ Rodríguez turned new slider grip into first All-Star selection

SAN FRANCISCO — Randy Rodríguez didn’t need to tweak his slider. The pitch was performing well; Rodríguez was, too. But as April gave way to May, Rodríguez didn’t like the state of the pitch. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, but he wanted something different, something bigger.

That pursuit led him to Ryan Walker. With the help of the Giants’ crossfiring right-hander, Rodríguez will soon be traveling to Atlanta to experience the first All-Star Game of his career.

“As soon as he got on the mound...