Grayson Rodriguez will not pitch again this year, marking another setback for the injury-plagued Baltimore Orioles as they gear up for the playoffs.
Rodriguez, the team’s No. 2 starter, has been on the injured list since early August due to right lat discomfort. Until last week, the Orioles were optimistic about his return before October. However, manager Brandon Hyde announced on Wednesday that the right-hander will be shut down and miss the postseason.
“He was progressing fine,” Hyde stated at Yankee Stadium. “It’s typically an injury that takes time, and getting him back for the playoffs would have been a bit of a rush. For his health and future, we felt this was the right decision.”
Rodriguez finished the season with a record of 13-4 and a 3.86 ERA over 20 starts in his second major league season. He recorded 130 strikeouts and 36 walks in 116 2/3 innings.
“That´s a loss. We´ve missed him,” Hyde said.
A heralded prospect when he arrived in the big leagues last year, Rodriguez is 20-8 with a 4.11 ERA in 43 career starts.
“Getting him ready for 2025,” Hyde remarked. “It’s disappointing. It’s tough. However, he’s incredibly talented and a crucial part of our rotation this year and in the future. We simply ran out of time.”
Despite facing numerous injuries, especially to their pitching staff, the Orioles secured their second consecutive playoff appearance on Tuesday night. They are assured at least an American League wild card and are well-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 currently out due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, All-Star closer Félix Bautista is also recovering from Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season.
“It’s a part of the game, unfortunately. It’s an aspect that stinks. Nonetheless, we’ve managed to cope with missing players all year,” Hyde commented.
Corbin Burnes, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, and Albert Suárez provide Baltimore with several solid options for its playoff rotation.
The second-place Orioles entered Wednesday night trailing the AL East-leading New York Yankees by five games with five games remaining.
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