The New York Yankees aren’t the only AL East team dealing with injury troubles. The Baltimore Orioles announced Friday that starting pitcher (right triceps/back of elbow) and reliever (left knee) will both begin the season on the injured list. Kittredge will miss several months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery, while the Orioles are uncertain how much time Rodriguez, their projected Opening Day starter, will be sidelined.
Grayson Rodriguez has been experiencing discomfort in the back of his elbow, though manager Brandon Hyde clarified that it’s not a ligament issue, which is a positive sign. “We’re still gathering multiple opinions,” Hyde said, per the Orioles’ official website. “But it’s going to result in some missed time.”
The injury woes don’t stop there. All-Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who posted an impressive 9.1 bWAR last season, is dealing with a right intercostal strain. The team has yet to determine whether he will also start the year on the injured list.
Rodriguez, who went 13-4 last season, first reported triceps soreness earlier this week. He allowed three hits and one run over 1.1 innings against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. The 25-year-old, who was the 11th overall pick in 2018, posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.4 bWAR in 20 starts last season but was previously sidelined with right shoulder inflammation and a season-ending right lat strain. In his absence, Cade Povich, who has recorded seven strikeouts in five scoreless innings this spring, is expected to take his spot in the rotation. Povich went 3-9 with a 5.20 ERA in 16 starts last year.
As for Andrew Kittredge, the 35-year-old reliever, who previously pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, recorded a 2.80 ERA over 74 appearances. Since 2021, he has posted a 2.48 ERA and 4.5 bWAR across 174 innings. The Orioles signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract with a team option for 2026.
While Baltimore’s injury setbacks are significant, they’re faring better than the Yankees, who have already lost DJ LeMahieu, Giancarlo Stanton, and Luis Gil. Additionally, ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) could be the next player added to their injury report—a potential advantage for the Orioles.