The Baltimore Orioles’ ongoing struggle to maintain the health of their starting pitchers has taken another hit with the recent news about Grayson Rodriguez. The 24-year-old right-hander has been placed on the injured list as of Wednesday, retroactive to August 4th, due to what the team is describing as discomfort in his right lat/teres. This area encompasses the upper back, extending down toward the shoulder and armpit.
Rodriguez was initially slated to start Monday’s game in Toronto. However, less than ten minutes before the game was set to begin, the Orioles announced that Rodriguez would not be taking the mound as planned. He was scratched from the lineup, and Albert Suárez was named as his replacement.
This season, Rodriguez has posted a strong performance with a record of 13-4, a 3.86 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP. He has amassed 130 strikeouts while walking 36 batters over 116 2/3 innings. His presence in the rotation has been pivotal, and his absence due to injury could significantly impact the Orioles. The team’s rotation has already been severely impacted by injuries to other key players, including Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells, all of whom are out for the remainder of the season.
In response to the rotation’s instability, the Orioles made strategic moves before the trade deadline, acquiring Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers to bolster their pitching staff. However, neither Eflin nor Rogers can be compared to an ace-caliber starter like Corbin Burnes, who is currently leading the Orioles’ rotation. Without Rodriguez, the projected playoff rotation would likely include Burnes, Eflin, Rogers, and Dean Kremer. There is also a possibility that Suárez could factor into this mix. Despite these acquisitions, the depth and effectiveness of the rotation appear questionable for a deep playoff run.
As the Orioles navigate the final stretch of the season, they find themselves in a tight race for the AL East title, having entered Monday’s games tied with the New York Yankees. The uncertainty surrounding Rodriguez’s injury adds to the team’s concerns as they push for a successful finish to the season.
The Orioles are hopeful that Rodriguez’s injury is relatively minor and that he will return to the lineup soon, ideally within the minimum 15-day period. This would be a crucial boost for the team as they aim to secure their position in the playoffs.
Additionally, the Orioles made other roster moves on Wednesday. Heston Kjerstad was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list, and in response, the team recalled left-handed pitcher Keegan Akin.
In summary, the Orioles’ pitching rotation has once again been strained by an injury to Grayson Rodriguez, adding to the team’s already significant challenges. With key pitchers sidelined for the season and recent acquisitions still proving their worth, the effectiveness of the rotation and the team’s playoff prospects are under scrutiny. The hope is that Rodriguez’s issue is not severe and that he can return swiftly, providing much-needed stability to the Orioles’ pitching staff as they head into the critical final stretch of the season.
