Top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez is making his way to Baltimore to join the Baltimore Orioles’ major league club according to the Baltimore Banner. Rodriguez was expected to make the Opening Day roster, but struggled in Spring Training recording an ERA of 7.04 in 15.2 IP. Instead, the right-handed hurler was sent down to Norfolk where he made one start. In his lone start against the Durham Bulls, Rodriguez allowed two earned runs resulting in an ERA of 4.50 in 4.0 IP. The 23-year-old showed off some gas against the Bulls – throwing in the high 90s, and topping out at 99 MPH.
Rodriguez is expected to arrive Wednesday where he will likely make his debut against the Texas Rangers. The game will be a trial by fire for the rookie as the Rangers are expected to start 2x Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. To add to the difficulty, Rodriguez will be facing a Rangers lineup that is currently ranked second in runs per game at 7.25.
The Orioles will likely stay conservative in their usage of Rodriguez. Given that he only pitched four innings in his last start, it would not be surprising if he goes no more than four or five innings on the day.
The debut of Rodriguez puts an end to what has seemed like an eternal wait to Orioles fans. Rodriguez has been the second ranked prospect in the Orioles farm system since 2020, and the excitement surrounding him has been at a fever pitch for years now. Initially expected to appear in the big leagues in 2022, his season was derailed by a lat strain that forced him to remain in AAA. The news of his arrival is thrilling for Birdland and could be a godsend for a rotation in desperate need of bolstering.
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