The Baltimore Orioles made a significant roster adjustment on Monday, placing 24-year-old right-hander Grayson Rodriguez on the IL retroactively to August 4 due to a lat strain. This injury is a familiar issue for Rodriguez, who previously missed nearly three months in the minors during the 2022 season with the same ailment.
Rodriguez, who has been instrumental to the Orioles’ success this season with a 13-4 record, 3.86 ERA, and 130 strikeouts against 36 walks in 116 2/3 innings, was replaced by Albert Suárez just minutes before the first pitch in Monday's game in Toronto. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed optimism about Rodriguez's return, stating, "We're optimistic he'll pitch again this season."
Rotation Woes and Reinforcements
The Orioles' pitching staff has been hit hard recently, with Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells all ruled out for the season. Despite these setbacks, the front office bolstered the rotation by acquiring Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers before the trade deadline.
Corbin Burnes has stepped up as the ace of the Orioles' rotation, and with the new additions, the prospective playoff rotation could feature Burnes, Eflin, Rogers, and Dean Kremer. Albert Suárez may also find himself stepping into the rotation in Rodriguez's absence, adding further depth to the pitching staff.
Additional Moves
In other roster news, the Orioles placed Heston Kjerstad on the 7-day concussion IL on Wednesday and recalled left-handed pitcher Keegan Akin. These moves were necessary to maintain the team's competitive edge as they vie for the AL East title.
Division Race
As of Monday, the Orioles were tied with the New York Yankees atop the AL East. This tight race underscores the importance of every move and adjustment the team makes. Rodriguez's injury and the subsequent roster changes could play a pivotal role in the final standings.
The Orioles' management and fans alike are hopeful for a strong finish to the season, supported by their bolstered rotation and strategic roster adjustments. While Rodriguez's lat strain is a setback, the optimism surrounding his potential return adds a layer of anticipation as the Orioles push towards the playoffs.