Grayson Rodriguez is on the mend from his shoulder injury, but as the Orioles head into the final two weeks of the regular season, his role when he returns is still up in the air. Will he be back as a starter or could a temporary bullpen assignment be in the cards? That's what everyone is wondering as the O's push towards the postseason. Orioles general manager Mike Elias is optimistic but has kept the door open for different possibilities.
Rodriguez’s Recovery
After suffering a strain to the teres major muscle in his shoulder during warmups for a start against the Blue Jays on August 6, Rodriguez has been on the road to recovery for about six weeks. The teres major injury is not new territory for Rodriguez, as he previously dealt with a similar issue in 2022, which sidelined him for three months in the minors. This time around, though, his proactive approach—opting to report the injury instead of trying to pitch through it—might have saved his season. Elias had initially said that the timeline for his recovery was around six-to-eight weeks, and so far, the process is on track.
The next step for Rodriguez? Facing live hitters in a bullpen session, which could lead to a rehab outing for Triple-A Norfolk or even a simulated game, as their season wraps up. Elias has made it clear that the focus remains on Rodriguez’s health, saying, "We’re taking it one day at a time, but he is healing and doing really well and that’s the most important thing."
The Bullpen Option: A Tough Call
The Orioles find themselves in a bit of a pinch with just 12 games left in the season. As Elias said, "Time and the calendar is not exactly our friend." With Rodriguez being one of the club’s top three starters, figuring out how to utilize him for a postseason push is critical. Could moving him to the bullpen provide a quicker path back to the team?
Elias acknowledged this possibility but also cautioned that it would come with trade-offs. “A reliever takes less buildup, for sure, but this kid is a starting pitcher,” Elias said. The dilemma here is clear—do they rush him back for relief innings or give him more time to build up his pitch count for a potential starting role? Rodriguez has been stellar this season, boasting a 13-4 record with a 3.86 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings. Putting him in a relief role could help expedite his return, but it might also diminish his value during the most crucial games of the year.
In postseason baseball, where the stakes are sky-high, having one of your best arms reduced to a few innings of relief work is a difficult pill to swallow. As Elias put it, "When we get to a fork in the road about how much to build him up and when, we’ll address that then." It’s a balancing act between doing what’s best for Rodriguez's future while still putting the team in the best position to win now.
The Impact of Rodriguez's Potential Return
With Rodriguez's return looming, the Orioles' pitching staff could see a significant boost just in time for October. If he does return in a starting role, it could give the Orioles more depth in their rotation, something that becomes invaluable during a grueling playoff run. However, if he comes back as a reliever, it could free up the team to use their other starters in more flexible ways.
His presence on the mound is undeniable. A pitcher with his strikeout ability and mental toughness could be a game-changer for Baltimore's postseason aspirations, but that only holds if he’s fully ready to go. That's where the uncertainty comes in. How much can he be expected to contribute after missing significant time? And is it worth the risk of further injury if he’s rushed back too soon?
Other Orioles Injury Updates: Positive Signs
Rodriguez isn’t the only Oriole on the mend, though. Elias provided updates on a few other key players—Danny Coulombe, Jordan Westburg, Ramón Urías, and Ryan Mountcastle—and most of the news is promising. While timelines aren't set in stone, the hope remains that all these players will return before the regular season wraps up.
Mountcastle, who’s been dealing with a left wrist sprain since late August, is in Sarasota, Florida, working his way back to game shape. Elias noted that he’s "doing well" and could be playing for Norfolk soon. Mountcastle’s bat would be a welcome addition to the Orioles’ lineup, especially with his power-hitting ability.
Westburg, who suffered a fractured right hand after being hit by a pitch in late July, is making good progress too. He took batting practice at Camden Yards earlier this week and has been participating in full baseball activities. The All-Star infielder’s return would provide a significant boost to the team’s infield depth, and Elias is optimistic that Westburg will be back before the end of the regular season.
As for Ramón Urías, who sprained his right ankle at the end of August, he’s been working on agility drills and running the bases. Urías had been one of the Orioles' best hitters in August, especially with Westburg sidelined, so his return could be just as important down the stretch. "We can’t wait to have him back," Elias said, noting that the team is "expecting him back before the end of the regular season."
What’s Next for the Orioles?
With just two weeks left in the regular season, the Orioles are entering crunch time. They’ve navigated a host of injuries and challenges, but the outlook remains positive for a number of key players. Rodriguez, in particular, is someone to keep an eye on as his return could shape the team’s postseason fate.
As exciting as it is to see players like Rodriguez, Westburg, and Mountcastle nearing their returns, the Orioles must tread carefully. Postseason baseball is just around the corner, and having a healthy and fresh roster could make all the difference.
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