Orioles manager Brandon Hyde delivered a series of injury updates today, spotlighting several players whose statuses remain in flux heading into the season. The most significant update concerns right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who is set to start the season on the injured list due to elbow and triceps discomfort. Despite his struggles, Hyde was quick to stress that there is no worry regarding ligament damage—a point reported by Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. In addition to Rodriguez’s setback, right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge is slated for arthroscopic knee surgery, an operation that is expected to sideline him for several months, according to Kostka.
Rodriguez’s performance in his most recent outing was noticeably hampered by a drop in velocity, and he later told reporters that he felt “sluggish” and “flat.” Hyde later confirmed that triceps soreness was a major factor in Rodriguez’s diminished output. Although the team is still gathering additional medical opinions, the consensus is that Rodriguez will not be ready for Opening Day. “It’s not a ligament issue, so we’re not overly concerned about that,” Hyde remarked, noting that his condition will nevertheless result in some missed time.
With Rodriguez out of the rotation, Baltimore is now tasked with reshuffling its pitching staff. Currently, Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Dean Kremer are locked into the rotation’s first four spots. The fifth spot is expected to be filled by either Albert Suárez or Cade Povich, as indicated by Kostka. Suárez, 35, returned to affiliated baseball with the Orioles last season after spending the years from 2019 to 2023 playing in Asia. Serving as a swingman, he posted a 3.70 ERA over 133 2/3 innings, making 24 starts and appearing in eight relief outings, while limiting his walks to 7.6%, despite a modest strikeout rate of 19.1%. Initially projected for a long-relief role, Suárez might find himself shifting into the rotation, potentially opening a bullpen slot for Roansy Contreras, who has been stretched into starting duties.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Cade Povich, who was once ranked among the top-100 prospects entering 2024, struggled in his MLB debut, finishing with a 5.20 ERA over 16 starts and recording a 19.6% strikeout rate and a 9.6% walk rate. In stark contrast, his performance in Triple-A was far more impressive, as he notched a 3.48 ERA, a 28.2% strikeout rate, and an 8.5% walk rate over 77 2/3 innings. If Povich does not earn a spot in the rotation right away, he could start the season in Triple-A.
The Orioles hope that one of these pitchers will adequately fill the void left by Rodriguez’s absence. However, if his recovery is prolonged, the team may consider external options. Free agents such as Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Spencer Turnbull are still available on the market, while pitchers like Jordan Montgomery and Taijuan Walker could also become trade targets.
Kittredge’s upcoming knee surgery represents another major setback for Baltimore, especially given the team’s significant financial commitment to him. Signed to a one-year, $10 million deal in mid-January, Kittredge was expected to be a crucial bullpen component. However, after complaining of knee soreness and undergoing tests, the decision for surgery became inevitable.
This isn’t the first time Kittredge has battled injury issues. In 2021 with the Rays, he posted an impressive 1.88 ERA over 71 2/3 innings but then missed most of the following two seasons due to Tommy John surgery. He bounced back in 2023 with the Cardinals, recording a 2.80 ERA over 70 2/3 innings while posting a 23.3% strikeout rate and a 7% walk rate—a performance that played a significant role in Baltimore’s decision to sign him. Now, however, the Orioles will have to wait several months to see a return on that investment.
Even without Kittredge, the Orioles still boast a strong bullpen, featuring arms like Félix Bautista, Yennier Cano, Keegan Akin, Seranthony Domínguez, and Gregory Soto. Should the team seek to bolster their pitching further, available free agents such as David Robertson, Phil Maton, and Joe Kelly present viable options.
On another note, shortstop Gunnar Henderson is battling an intercostal strain and is still undergoing treatment, according to Hyde. MLB.com’s Jake Rill noted that Jackson Holliday and possibly Jordan Westburg will receive time at shortstop as the team prepares contingency plans in case Henderson is unable to play. Rich Dubroff of Baltimore Baseball mentioned that Liván Soto and Luis Vázquez are also being considered.
Both Holliday and Westburg come with extensive minor league experience at shortstop, making them capable fill-ins, though their deployment might create positional challenges. Holliday is expected to anchor the second base, while Westburg is slated for third base. If Westburg moves to shortstop, then either Coby Mayo or Ramón Urías could step in at third, though Hyde appears to favor Holliday at shortstop. This would leave a gap at second base, which Urías, despite his primary role at third, has enough experience to cover.
Regarding Soto and Vázquez, neither player is currently on the 40-man roster. Both have shown versatility in the infield but possess limited major league experience, combining for just 46 games at the big-league level. Their future roles remain uncertain as the Orioles navigate through these injury challenges.
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