The Baltimore Orioles enter the 2025 season with high expectations, despite not winning a playoff game since 2014 and losing key players during the offseason. With Corbin Burnes now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team is in need of a new ace. One potential candidate is 25-year-old Grayson Rodriguez, though he is currently dealing with an injury.
Manager Brandon Hyde spoke to the Associated Press on Sunday, addressing Rodriguez’s status:
“He’s experiencing some discomfort in the back of his elbow, and we’re still gathering multiple opinions,” Hyde said. “It’s not a ligament issue, so we’re not worried about that, but it will result in some missed time. We’re getting results and consulting with several people to determine the best treatment. As of now, we don’t have a clear 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 the new assessment proves accurate.
Rodriguez has been part of the Orioles’ rotation since 2023 when he debuted at age 23. Over his two seasons, he has made 43 starts, posting a 4.11 ERA and a 95 ERA+. While these numbers are not quite ace-level, he made significant improvements 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-ready pitchers who can start the season even without Grayson Rodriguez. They acquired Zach Eflin at last summer’s trade deadline, and he’s a candidate to be their Opening Day starter. Veteran Charlie Morton is next in line, followed by two promising young arms from the Baby Birds prospect group, Dean Kremer and Cade Povich. Additionally, they brought in Tomoyuki Sugano, a 35-year-old making his MLB debut.
However, without the elite talent that Corbin Burnes once provided, the Orioles find themselves a step behind in the competitive AL East. The Blue Jays added Max Scherzer, who could still perform at an elite level, while the Yankees have Max Fried as a reliable ace even if Gerrit Cole is sidelined. Meanwhile, the Red Sox strengthened their rotation by trading for Garrett Crochet. This means Baltimore’s lineup will frequently face tough pitching matchups, while their own rotation falls short in comparison.
This is why Rodriguez is so crucial to the Orioles. They lack a true ace after missing out in free agency, and Rodriguez needs to fill that role—though he may begin the season dealing with an injury.