From 1971-1979, Rodriguez was the Tigers primary 3B, playing in the 1972 ALCS against the Athletics. Showing his defensive only qualities, he went 0-16 in the series, as the A's went on to their first of three consecutive World Series victories. He would make three postseason appearances after his Tigers career, going 2-6 in the 1980 ALCS for the Yankees against the Royals. One appearance (no ABs) for the Yankees in the ALCS against the Athletics in 1981. However, he did go 5-12 in the Yankees loss in the 1981 World Series against the Dodgers. He also made two defensive appearances in the 1983 ALCS for the White Sox against the Orioles, ironically the team Rodriguez started the season with. The 1983 season was Aurelio's last in the major leagues, as he finished his MLB career where it started, in the Mexican League.
Rodriguez was killed in 2000, as he was struck by a car as a pedestrian on a sidewalk in Detroit. Today would have been Aurelio's 65th birthday. He played in a time where consistent defense at 3B was appreciated. After the emergence of George Brett, Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose and Wade Boggs, the position became more of an offensive position. Yes, Brooks Robinson was a good hitter, but his defense was among the best ever. Players like Don Hoak, Clete Boyer, Graig Nettles and Ron Cey all won World Series being defensive first. Eddie Matthews was one of the few 3B who was known clearly for his offense, but did play very well in the field. It is safe to say though, none of the before mentioned was as little of an offensive fixture as Rodriguez. He hit .265 in 1977, but other than that never hit more than .254 in a full season. He finished his career with a .275 OBP and .626 OPS. It is hard to imagine a player with numbers like that getting a chance to play everyday for that long in MLB today.