Baltimore Orioles pitching coach Drew French provided an update on starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez’s recovery, a task usually handled by manager Brandon Hyde. French discussed Rodriguez, who has been sidelined for over a month due to a right lat/teres strain, after a promising bullpen session at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Rodriguez threw about 20 pitches, mixing fastballs with off-speed pitches, marking his first time on the mound since his injury.
French mentioned that the next steps for Rodriguez involve throwing to live hitters and then embarking on a rehab assignment. However, with the regular season nearing its end, there’s uncertainty about whether Rodriguez can return as a starter. French expressed optimism, saying the team is “hopeful” but cautious, evaluating progress day by day.
Typically, Rodriguez would build up through a minor league rehab stint, but with the minor league season winding down, his exact return timeline is unclear. The Orioles may consider having him ramp up with the team, similar to how Texas Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi returned last year without a rehab start. The Orioles will decide based on schedule and other factors.
Rodriguez, a former first-round pick, was having a strong season before his injury, posting a 13-4 record with a 3.86 ERA in 20 starts, along with 130 strikeouts and 36 walks over 116.2 innings. His development, alongside Corbin Burnes and the addition of Zach Eflin, had bolstered the Orioles’ rotation.
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