The Baltimore Orioles enter the 2025 season with high expectations but are still searching for their first playoff win since 2014. After losing key pieces in the offseason—most notably Corbin Burnes, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks—they need a new ace to emerge. That role could fall to 25-year-old top star, but the young pitcher is currently dealing with an injury.
Manager Brandon Hyde provided an update, telling the Associated Press:
“He’s experiencing some discomfort in the back of his elbow, so we are still getting multiple opinions. It’s not a ligament issue, so we’re not concerned about that. But it’s going to result in some missed time. We’re getting the results, and we’re talking to multiple people about the best treatment plan. Right now, we’re unsure of the timeline.”
This update is more optimistic than Hyde’s statement on Friday, when he said Rodriguez would miss the start of the season. The Orioles are hopeful that this latest assessment holds true.
Rodriguez has been part of Baltimore’s rotation since 2023, debuting at just 23 years old. Over two seasons, he has made 43 starts, posting a 4.11 ERA and a 95 ERA+. While those numbers aren’t ace-caliber, he showed significant improvement in his second year before a shoulder injury cut his season short.
The Orioles are struggling for pitching depth
The Orioles still have five MLB-caliber pitchers to open the season despite Grayson Rodriguez’s injury. Zach Eflin, acquired at last summer’s trade deadline, is a candidate to be their Opening Day starter. Veteran Charlie Morton provides experience, while young arms Dean Kremer and Cade Povich represent the next wave of Baltimore’s “Baby Birds” prospect group. Additionally, the team signed 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano, who will make his MLB debut this season.
Even with this depth, the Orioles lack the top-end talent that Corbin Burnes once provided, putting them a step behind in the AL East. The Blue Jays added Max Scherzer, who could have a resurgence. The Yankees may be without Gerrit Cole for now, but Max Fried is a true ace. Meanwhile, the Red Sox bolstered their rotation by trading for Garrett Crochet. Baltimore’s lineup will be tested nightly, while its rotation appears to be a weak spot.
That’s why Rodriguez is so crucial. The Orioles need a frontline starter, and they didn’t land one in free agency. If he can stay healthy, Rodriguez has the potential to be that ace—but his season may now begin on the injured list.