Grayson Rodriguez will not pitch again this year, which is another setback for the injury-plagued Baltimore Orioles as they get ready for the playoffs.
Rodriguez, the team’s No. 2 starter, has been on the injured list since early August due to discomfort in his right lat. Just last week, the Orioles were still hopeful he would return before October. However, manager Brandon Hyde announced on Wednesday that the right-hander will be shut down and will miss the postseason.
“He was progressing fine,” Hyde said at Yankee Stadium. “It’s normally an injury that takes some time, and bringing him back for the playoffs would have been a bit rushed. We felt it was best for his health and future to take this step.”
Rodriguez had a solid season, going 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA over 20 starts. He struck out 130 batters and walked 36 in 116 2/3 innings. “That’s a loss. We’ve missed him,” Hyde noted.
Once a highly regarded prospect, Rodriguez now has a record of 20-8 with a 4.11 ERA in his 43 career starts.
“We’re preparing him for 2025,” Hyde said. “It’s disappointing and tough. But he’s very talented and a significant part of our rotation now and in the future. We just ran out of time.”
Despite facing many injuries, especially among their pitchers, the Orioles secured their second consecutive playoff spot on Tuesday night. They are guaranteed at least an American League wild card and are positioned to host a best-of-three Wild Card Series next week at Camden Yards.
Starting pitchers Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells are all out due to Tommy John surgery. All-Star closer Félix Bautista is also recovering from the same surgery and will miss the entire season.
