The Baltimore Orioles are facing a crucial stretch of the season with a few key changes in their roster. The team's 24-year-old right-hander, Grayson Rodriguez, has been placed on the injured list retroactively to August 4, owing to a lat strain. This injury is not unfamiliar territory for Rodriguez, as it forced him to miss nearly three months in the minors during the 2022 season.
Manager Brandon Hyde, despite the setback, remains hopeful about Rodriguez's return. "We're optimistic he'll pitch again this season," Hyde shared, holding out hope that his young pitcher will make a comeback before the season concludes.
The timing of Rodriguez's injury led to a last-minute shuffle, with Albert Suárez stepping in less than ten minutes before the scheduled first pitch in Monday's game in Toronto. Rodriguez has had a solid season, boasting a 13-4 record, a 3.86 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts against 36 walks in 116 2/3 innings.
Rotation Shifts
With Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells already ruled out for the season, the Orioles’ rotation has seen significant changes. To bolster their pitching strength, the team acquired Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers just before the trade deadline.
Corbin Burnes has emerged as the ace of their rotation, stepping up in a big way. As the postseason approaches, the probable rotation for the Orioles looks to include Burnes, Eflin, Rogers, and Dean Kremer, providing the team with a solid foundation of starters.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez's absence opens up opportunities for other pitchers. Albert Suárez, who stepped in during Rodriguez's injury, may potentially find a more permanent spot in the rotation during this critical period.
Additional Moves
On Wednesday, Baltimore announced placing prospect Heston Kjerstad on the 7-day concussion injured list. The team reacted swiftly, recalling left-handed pitcher Keegan Akin to fill in the gap left by Kjerstad's absence.
The AL East Battle
As of Monday, the Orioles are tied with the New York Yankees for the top spot in the AL East, intensifying the competition as the regular season nears its conclusion. This tie adds urgency for Baltimore, making the roster's health and performance crucial in this decisive phase.
The Orioles' front office and coaching staff are navigating a delicate balance of managing injuries while maintaining competitive play. Rodriguez's potential late-season return could provide a significant boost, but for now, the focus remains on those currently stepping up to the challenge.
Fans remain optimistic, looking to the recent acquisitions and the continued excellence of pitchers like Burnes as hopeful signs of a strong postseason run. With each game carrying significant weight, the Orioles are set to rely on both seasoned and newly integrated players to carry them forward.
The coming weeks will test the depth and resilience of Baltimore’s roster. As the AL East race remains tight, each player’s contribution becomes increasingly vital in the quest for October baseball.