Grayson Rodriguez, the talented 24-year-old right-hander for the Orioles, has been placed on the injured list (IL) retroactively to August 4 due to a lat strain. This is not the first time Rodriguez has dealt with this issue; a similar injury sidelined him for nearly three months during the 2022 minor league season. His absence is a significant blow to the Orioles' rotation, given his solid performance this season.
The orioles had to make a last-minute adjustment on Monday in Toronto when Rodriguez was replaced by Albert Suárez less than ten minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Rodriguez has been a key contributor to the Orioles' success this season, boasting a 13-4 record with a 3.86 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts against just 36 walks over 116 2/3 innings.
With Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells ruled out for the rest of the season, the Orioles' pitching staff has had to adapt quickly. The team recently reinforced its rotation by acquiring Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers before the trade deadline. The additions of Eflin and Rogers, combined with the emergence of Corbin Burnes as the ace of the rotation, have given Baltimore much-needed depth.
As the Orioles prepare for a potential playoff run, the prospective rotation is likely to feature Burnes, Eflin, Rogers, and Dean Kremer. Manager Brandon Hyde remains hopeful despite the tough circumstances, stating, "We're optimistic he'll pitch again this season," referring to Rodriguez's recovery timeline.
In other roster moves, Baltimore placed Heston Kjerstad on the 7-day concussion IL on Wednesday, adding to their list of injury concerns. To fill the gap, the Orioles recalled left-handed pitcher Keegan Akin. This move aims to shore up the bullpen as the team navigates through a challenging stretch of the season.
The Orioles' resilience is evident not only in their player acquisitions but also in their performance on the field. As of Monday, they were tied with the New York Yankees atop the AL East, showcasing their strength and determination in a highly competitive division.
Albert Suárez may now find himself stepping into the rotation in Rodriguez's absence. Suárez, who made the emergency start on Monday, will have big shoes to fill but has an opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage.
The Orioles are cautiously optimistic about Rodriguez's return, understanding the importance of his presence on the mound. The team's focus remains on mitigating the impact of these injuries while continuing their pursuit of postseason success. With a deepened rotation and a motivated roster, the Orioles are well-positioned to handle the challenges ahead.