The expectation was that Grayson Rodriguez would find his way to the Baltimore Orioles by the end of the month. That time has come sooner than expected.
Geoff Pontes from Baseball America reported on Tuesday that Rodriguez is coming to the majors. Kyle Bradish is expected to head to the Injured List with a bruised foot to open up a spot on the roster for the talented prospect.
One week makes difference for Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles
Rodriguez appeared to have an inside track to one of the spots in the Orioles’ rotation heading into spring training. However, he struggled during the spring, allowing 15 runs, 12 earned, on 17 hits and seven walks over his 15.1 innings. While there were positives, such as his 19 strikeouts, he still appeared to need a bit more time in the minors. And, if the Orioles could manipulate his service time enough to gain an extra year, so much the better.
Instead, he made just one appearance in Triple-A. Those command issues were present during that outing as he issued four walks over his four innings, striking out just two batters. The problem is that the Orioles are without a starter on Wednesday due to injuries and pitchers being moved up, leaving Rodriguez as the next man up.
Sometimes, all a player needs is that opportunity. Rodriguez has the talent and the prospect pedigree to turn this outing into far more than a spot start. If he performs well on Wednesday, he could end up as a fixture in the rotation this season after all.
The Orioles need that to be the case. They are looking to build off of a surprising 2022 campaign and show they are ready to take the next step forward. That progress will come from the development of their younger players, with Rodriguez potentially emerging as a key part of that ascension. The 2023 season cannot be another rebuilding year now. Rodriguez needs to show it is time.
Grayson Rodriguez is set to make his debut with the Baltimore Orioles. It is time to show that he is ready for the majors.
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