The Baltimore Orioles will be without one of their top starting pitchers, Grayson Rodriguez, to start the regular season. The right-hander is dealing with discomfort near the back of his elbow, though initial reports suggest it is not a ligament issue.
The team announced Friday that Rodriguez will begin the season on the injured list and is still undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde reassured that while Rodriguez will miss time, the team is consulting multiple medical experts to decide on the best course of action.
Grayson Rodriguez’s Injury History Raises Concerns as Orioles Adjust Rotation Plans
Rodriguez, 25, has a history of arm injuries, which raises concerns about his durability. Last season, he dealt with shoulder inflammation early on and suffered a lat strain that prematurely ended his campaign in August. A similar lat strain also cost him about three months in 2022 while he was still in the minors.
Before his injury last year, Rodriguez had shown promising development, posting a 3.86 ERA across 116 2/3 innings. He was expected to take a significant step forward in 2025, potentially emerging as a top-tier starter for Baltimore.
Grayson Rodriguez (MLB)With Rodriguez sidelined, the Orioles will need to adjust their starting rotation. The current depth chart includes Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano, Albert Suárez, Cade Povich, and Trevor Rogers, though Rogers is also dealing with a knee injury.
Suárez and Povich could both secure roster spots for Opening Day, with Suárez likely sticking around due to his lack of minor league options. Last season, Suárez posted a respectable 3.70 ERA across 24 starts and eight relief appearances, making him a viable candidate for an expanded role.
Brandon Hyde Stresses Depth as Orioles, AL East Rivals Battle Early Injuries
Hyde emphasized the importance of having ample starting pitching depth, especially given the unpredictability of injuries. He acknowledged that Rodriguez’s absence is a setback but stressed that teams often need more than five starters throughout the season.
The Orioles will look to their available arms to step up in the early part of the campaign. Meanwhile, the team also faces another injury blow in the bullpen, as setup man Andrew Kittredge underwent left knee surgery and will miss significant time.
The Orioles are not alone in dealing with injuries. Their AL East rivals, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, are also facing key absences.
The Yankees lost ace Gerrit Cole and slugger Giancarlo Stanton to elbow injuries, while the Red Sox will begin the season without Wilyer Abreu, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford due to various ailments. Injuries across the division could impact the early standings and test each team’s depth as they navigate the grind of a long season.
