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Young Starter’s Injury Throws Wrench into Orioles’ Comeback Hopes

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Another blow to the Baltimore Orioles’ roster occurred Monday evening, as the team announced that young right-handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez will undergo debridement surgery. The surgery follows the pitcher’s confidence that he would appear in 2025 despite an injury-plagued season. Rodriguez suffered right elbow inflammation and tricep soreness in spring training, then injured his right lat in April.

Grayson Rodriguez is ready to go for Saturday, reports confirm.
Oct 8, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) is pulled from the game against the Texas Rangers during the second inning during game two of the ALDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Losing Rodriguez for the year follows a continuing trend of injuries for the Orioles. At the same time, learning that one of their prized rotation pieces complicates their chances of a comeback in the American League East. The team now turns to their depleted bullpen and spotty rotation to attempt a push for a Wild Card spot.

How Grayson Rodriguez’s Injury Makes an Orioles Comeback Improbable

The Orioles’ pitching staff is already one of the weakest in the league, holding the fourth-worst ERA and WHIP. They’ve also surrendered the second-most home runs and have the third-worst opposing batting average in the league. While they haven’t issued the most walks, their lack of strikeouts also poses an issue if their fielding isn’t up to par.

Rodriguez’s elbow surgery leaves the rotation without a clear second ace. Luckily, the team can rely on left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers every fifth game, who holds a 1.44 ERA over 56 1/3 innings pitched. While his strikeout rate remains under nine per nine innings, he’s only surrendered two home runs and 29 hits along with 13 walks.

Outside of Rogers, the team’s rotation has not performed to expectations. Offseason acquisition Tomoyuki Sugano, who started the year off on a decent trajectory, had an awful summer, holding an ERA around six with a 1.70 WHIP. While his strikeout rate hasn’t improved, his walk rate is slowly increasing behind it, leading to more opportunities for opposing batters.

Elsewhere in the rotation, Cade Povich has not adapted well to the major league level. He currently holds a 5.25 ERA with 12 home runs over 70 1/3 innings pitched. Zach Eflin, whom they received last year, is performing even worse, throwing a 5.93 ERA and surrendering 18 home runs in 71 1/3 innings.

The Orioles’ Injury Bug

Rodriguez’s injury is the latest in a series of players who have gone down this year, either from a new injury or rehabbing. Kyle Bradish, who went down in 2024 with Tommy John surgery, hasn’t made a single start this year. The 2023 Cy Young candidate is close to returning, but he’s probably not going to be great right out of the gate.

The Orioles have had a dozen separate pitchers placed on the injured reserve at some point this season.

Tyler Wells, who also had a strong 2023 season, suffered the same UCL surgery in 2024. The aforementioned Eflin had lower back issues, and closer Félix Bautista is having right shoulder issues. Two of their best starters remain rehabbing and may not perform well when they get back.

 

Main Photo Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

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