The Orioles are struggling with keeping their starting pitchers healthy, and now there’s more worry about Grayson Rodriguez.
Just before the game in Toronto, Rodriguez was supposed to pitch but got replaced by Albert Suárez because he didn’t feel right. After five innings, the team said he had discomfort in his upper back and shoulder area.
Rodriguez has been solid this season with a 13-4 record, a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts over 116 2/3 innings. If he’s out for long, it will hurt the already thin rotation since Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells are also out for the season .
Rotation Woes:
Before the trade deadline, the front office brought in Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers to help. However, neither is as strong as Cy Young contender Corbin Burnes who leads the rotation. Without Rodriguez, they would likely go into playoffs with Burnes, Eflin, Rogers, and Dean Kremer or maybe even Suárez. This lineup doesn’t seem strong enough for a deep playoff run.
Fans might think this news is really bad for their team’s chances.
The Orioles are tied at the top of AL East with the Yankees right now. They need all hands on deck to keep up this fight till the end of the season.
Everyone’s hoping that Rodriguez’s issue is minor so he can return soon.
What do you think? Will they manage without him?
