The Orioles are shutting down Grayson Rodriguez for the season, manager Brandon Hyde told reporters (X link via Jake Rill of MLB.com). While Rodriguez didn’t have any kind of setback, the team doesn’t feel there’s sufficient time for him to return from the injured list.
Losing the right-hander is a devastating blow for the Orioles rotation with the postseason set to begin next week. It would require a miracle for the Orioles to run down the Yankees for the AL East crown (and accompanying bye through the Wild Card Series) at this point, and failing that the club will have to determine whether to turn to right-hander Dean Kremer or journeyman Albert Suarez to round out the club’s rotation for the series behind Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin, while likely using both in the ALDS and beyond should they manage to make a deeper run.
Both hurlers have been solid mid-to-back of the rotation starters for the Orioles this year but aren’t the sort of reliable arms teams prefer to lean on in a playoff series. Kremer has made 24 starts for Baltimore this year to slightly below average results, with a 4.10 ERA (92 ERA+) and 4.32 FIP in 129 2/3 innings of work, while Suarez sports a 3.74 ERA (100 ERA+) and 4.12 FIP in 127 2/3 innings of work split between the bullpen and rotation. Of the pair, Kremer is perhaps the more reliable choice given his stronger results of late (he’s pitched to a 3.95 ERA and 3.55 FIP since the start of August) that compare favorably to Suarez’s ugly 7.23 ERA in four September starts that have seen him surrender a whopping seven homers.
Baltimore’s front office attempted to shore up the rotation in response to injuries suffered by the pitching staff throughout the year at the trade deadline, and while the addition of Eflin to the mix has proved invaluable down the stretch the same cannot be said for their decision to add Trevor Rogers to their rotation mix. The Orioles surrendered well-regarded youngsters Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers in exchange for Rogers’s services back in July, but the lefty made four disastrous starts for the club (7.11 ERA, 5.01 FIP) before being optioned to the minors where he continued to struggle badly down the stretch.
Regardless of how Kremer, Suarez, and other rotation options like Rogers and Cade Povich (5.59 ERA in 15 starts) are deployed by Hyde during the postseason, none of those options seem likely to be as reliable as Rodriguez. In 116 2/3 innings of work before being sidelined by a lat injury back in August, Rodriguez pitched to a 3.86 ERA with a stronger 3.66 FIP across 20 starts while striking out a solid 26.5% of opponents in his second season as a member of the Orioles rotation this year. That strikeout rate is good for 23rd in the majors among starters with at least 100 innings of work this year, in line with likely playoff starters for other clubs such as Tanner Bibee of the Guardians and Carlos Rodon of the Yankees.
Fortunately, Hyde’s comments offer little reason to fear for Rodriguez’s ability to return healthy and effective next season. While Burnes is slated to hit free agency this November, Rodriguez figures to be joined by Eflin as the club’s top internal options next year, with ace Kyle Bradish and righty Tyler Wells both potentially in the mix to return to action in the second half of 2025 after undergoing UCL surgery back in June. Even with Rodriguez likely to be healthy entering next season, however, bolstering the rotation figures to be a priority for the Orioles this winter as they look to support their vaunted offensive core. That could mean pursuing a reunion with Burnes, or perhaps signing a second-tier arm expected to be available this winter such as Nathan Eovaldi or Sean Manaea.
Gwynning
What’s their playoff rotation meow?!?
jbigz12
Burnes,Eflin, and pray.
Gwynning
For Rainflin? Spot on
Samuel
Gwynning;
Burnes. Eflin. Kremer.
Kremer has been pitching very well of late.
Might give Povich start but have the bullpen come in early if he’s faltering.
Suarez probably goes to the bullpen. Managers go to bullpens early in the post-season.
Gwynning
I figured about the same, Samuel. I might go Cade over Dean if I felt like the lefty matched up better, but your suggestion seems proper.
Very Barry
Orioles are absolutely getting what they deserve. Holding onto a bunch of kids who are blocked. Planning for a future dynasty with multiple rings before winning the first one. If you are an Orioles fan under 50 years old …. You have never seen the Orioles in the World Series. No rings since Cal Ripken (is he still alive?).
Dumpster Divin Theo
How soon before Adley joins the Yankees
sn33
1. “Getting what they deserve” by going to the playoffs for the second straight season of which will be many more in a row. Ok?
2. “Holding on to a bunch of kids who are blocked” An absolute false statement that would only be said by someone with no clue what they are talking about.
3. “Planning for future dynasty with multiple rings before winning the first one” baseball playoffs are a crap shoot. The best thing you can do is try to put yourself in position for as many shots as you can. Going all in and not winning and wasting 6 years of a rebuild would only be suggested by a clown with (once again) no clue what they are talking about.
4. I am 46 years old and have seen the Orioles win a World Series so again you continue to say stuff that is blatantly and obviously false.
5. Yes Cal Ripken is alive.
In conclusion you had 5 points you tried to make and look like a fool on each one. Not sure why you decided to make a fool out of yourself but you were successful without question. Maybe consider changing your name to Very Foolish.
Very Barry
Orioles last won the World Series in 1983.
Best thing you can do is to go all-in on a ring when it is in front of you. Baseball fans have gotten warped. This is supposed to be about winning titles and not just making the Playoffs.
You are bragging about making the Playoffs. There was a time when only the Regular Season champion from each league went to the Playoffs. 10 teams have now been added to that. You can be under .500 and make the Playoffs. Playoffs/Wild Cards are just added games because Playoff games generate the most $$$$. Your “Playoff” appearances used to be considered failed seasons before MLB once again …. Lowered the bar. Like changing the baseball to have some be “juiced” and other not “juiced” to control offense and add home runs.
Glad to hear Cal Ripken is still with us.
I would say your take is the foolish one. Baltimore isn’t a small market team. The O’s spent about 10 years among the worst in baseball to get those “Playoff” appearances. They got you thinking if you make the Playoffs, with 10 added teams, that it is something to be proud of.
sn33
Yeah 83 wasn’t 50 years ago. Also 10 years ago was 2014 and the Orioles were playing in the ALCS. I get it math can be hard for the weak minded. So instead of being happy my team made the playoffs I should be like “yeah well if this was 1968 they wouldn’t have even made the playoffs! What a horrible franchise.” Because that makes a lot of sense. But if that was the case they would have won the pennant last year so maybe I wish it was fantasy land like you are saying. I don’t know what Baltimore’s market has to do with anything but it appears you are just saying stuff since all of your points have been foolish. “Best thing you can do is go all in to win a ring” yeah if you don’t want to have sustained success. I’m just glad the Orioles have smart people running the team and not someone like you. What a nightmare that would be. Better luck next time little fella. Maybe after you get a good night sleep you might be able to make one point that doesn’t make you look like a clown. Doubtful but maybe.
Very Barry
“Smart” people typically can win a title in-between 1983 and today. White Sox won it all in 2005. Cubs even figured out how to win a ring. Marlins got a couple. Texas….. etc. yet the “smart” people running Baltimore cannot.
You got me. I was wrong. It hasn’t been 50 years. It’s only been 41 years since 1983. 41 years without a ring might as well be 50. Keep celebrating your “Playoff” appearances. You get to have another “party” to celebrate.
You guys are proving my point about the Playoffs. Understand, adding all these “Playoff” teams is ONLY for Playoff $$$ from games. The trade off is that the Regular Season means nothing. You ain’t even got to have a .500 record to make the Playoffs. Get two ace pitchers and let it ride. No need to horde kids for a meaningless regular season.
sn33
You realize this front office has been in place for 6 years and took over a dumpster fire right? Kind of hard to blame them for the last 41 years. What’s funny is that’s not even the dumbest thing you have said.
Ra
“Get what they deserve” is the kind of stupid comment that expose your ignorance.
Ra
Again, you are wrong factually. The Orioles have traded far too many prospects to keep prattling off the false narrative of “hoarding prospects.” If you say that, you just expose that you have no clue what has occurred with the Orioles.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
Barry why do you even bother? It sounds like you hate modern baseball with a passion, so maybe you should find something better to do with your time that’s more uplifting to your spirits.
RedFraggle
Are you dumb? Ripken is part owner of the O’s now. This was big news a few months ago when they sold the team.
Hard to walk with four balls
The orange birds should have sold the farm for Skubal and they had the players to make Detroit say yes. However i’m sure now they are glad that didn’t happen.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Lose, lose, golf
Gwynning
Cancun on 3! …
Red Wings
They should have paid up for Skubal
Samuel
Stop it….
He wasn’t available and is a big reason the Tigers are going to the playoffs.
Gwynning
Could have “knocked Detroit’s socks off” for sure. Basically gave away talent in the Fish trade that could have been used for Skoobs. We’ll never know i guess!
Samuel
Gwynning;
Do you follow the Tigers?
Norby and Stowers aren’t as good as the youngsters the Tigers are playing.
Gwynning
True, for now… and we didn’t necessarily know all that at the TDL. My instinct says a deal *could have* been consummated, but it’s all what-ifs. Just saying Norby and Stowers would have been “nice” throw-ins to a stronger package.
Samuel
Gwynning;
I know.
The Tigers are peaking at the right time. Those youngsters are hungry and playing strong fundamental baseball. Have to believe that staffs on opposing playoff teams are breaking down their players now.
Wouldn’t surprise me to see them make the WS this year.
“Baseball is a young mans game”…..
Said GM Bill Stoneman during the locker room celebration when the Angels won the WS in 2002.
Motor City Beach Bum
Samuel…I sure wouldn’t have said that a month ago and I’m a Tigers fan 😉 If Texas and Arizona did it last year who knows. They are hot at the right time. Maybe the Tigers and Gwyning’s Pads will have a do over of the 1984 WS on its 40th anniversary. No offense intended to other teams but I see the Phillies and SD as the most complete rosters going into the playoffs.
Baltimore and Detroit were both right not to work a deal for Skubal.
holecamels35
That was one of the dumbest trades I ever seen. Even if Norby doesn’t work out. Trading two good prospects for a washed up pitcher never made sense.
Samuel
holecamels35
That “washed up pitcher” is 26 years-old and healthy – in the sense that he’s not a fast ball pitcher that threw his arm out.
The O’s do wat the good teams do in trades – buy low on a player and square him away.
Gwynning
I would retort that they did not buy low on Rogers… in my humble opinion o/c.
Samuel
Gwynning;
Time will tell.
Ra
The only thing they gave up was Norby. Who may not have a position defensively. Miami took Stowers as a favor.
Ra
Right, you’ll never know whether Skubal was available at any price. But it didn’t stop you from claiming the Orioles could have acquired him. Guess 20 other clubs also failed in your estimation, too, right?
Gwynning
No Ra. Nobody failed. I think it’s overly apparent that BAL has the prospect capital to obtain virtually ANY player, that’s all.
Very Barry
They should have paid up for Cease before the season, and for Crochet during the season. No sympathy for the Orioles. How does the future dynasty look holding onto to all those kids??? None of them are pitchers. Bradish and Rodriguez are hurt, and are now big-time ???? in terms of future production. What happens if Burnes walks in free agency. I bet some kids get traded then.
B Thomas
Yeah remember all the oriole fan saying cease sucked and not worth a couple lottery tickets. SD has a legit shot at the World Series and Baltimore is going home early again
sn33
Your memory must not be very good because Nobody ever said Cease sucked. Most didn’t want to trade Holliday or Mayo for him. Those are not the same thing. What I remember (accurately) is how the White Sox overplayed their hand and ended up having to settle for a marginal return. Padres going to the playoffs White Sox worst team of all time. But hey don’t let facts get in the way of your story.
Ra
Baltimore has as legit a shot at winning the WS as the Padres do, dimwit. PS: you’re talking out your ass; nobody said Cease “sucked.”
Tigers3232
@Very It’s easy to pass judgement in hindsight. Dumping a bunch of kids with options left and picking up extra pitching in case of future injury requires 40 man roster spots. Roster spots are a finite resource and have to be considered.
Also above you talk of winning the World Series authentic end all be all. Sadly that is not true. MLB is a business first, yes most teams would like to win the World Series. However for most owners there are financial limitations and protecting “the brand” foe years to come.
Ra
Or Getz should have traded Cease for Ortiz and Hall instead of the pile of crap he took from the Yankers. btw Some “kids” have already been traded – you just don’t know anything about the Orioles
jbigz12
We’d all like a redo on the Rogers trade. Stowers is nothing and Norby should at least be a platoon bat. The glove is really bad and he’s cooled after a red hot start there.
Thought Norby was more valuable but sites like Fangraphs soured on him hard. Idk what the industry consensus was on him but he needs to hit to have value. The glove provides negative value.
ClevelandSteelEngines
It always seemed like an early return for a lat strain-related injury. The previous instance Rodriguez had a lat injury he was sidelined for at least two months and wasn’t the same to begin the following season.
scruffmcgruff
Definitely the wiser course of action to take in my book.
jbigz12
Dbacks made it to the WS with Pfaadt as their #3. Crazier things have happened but you can’t like where we’re at heading into October.
BaseballBrian
Fat Albert should not get a start in the postseason.
mad1
Hope the O’s are not counting on Burnes in the playoffs
Ra
One of the best SPs in MLB … of course they are. You haven’t been watching lately, I can surmise.
thickiedon
There was a time this season that the O’s looked like World Series contenders. They, like KC, are fading while Detroit is busting out.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Don’t look now but is that the window shutting down for the season ?
Ra
You appear not to know what people are talking about when they discuss “windows” of contention.
Samuel
Actually thickiedon;
They’ve been playing better since a few of their injured players came back recently.
They beat the Yankees yesterday in NYC and are ahead by 5 runs tonight. Narratives trump reality. But you’re correct, they’re not
as good as they were the first 35-40% of the season.
Once the playoffs start, nothing else matters.
King Floch
Well, that’s a bummer.
Burnes and Eflin are still a solid 1-2 though and Kremer and Suarez are both competent big league starters, so it definitely ain’t hopeless. Just gotta hope the offense shows up, maybe the blanket reset to 0-0 records lets them relax a bit. So many dudes pressing like crazy lately.
Patriot12992
What did Suarez do to mlbtr? The guy has a better era than Rodriguez, he has struggled abit in September but has had a good year overall.
Niekro floater
That’s a dagger to the heart of Birdland’s World Series hopes. Bummer ! Rest of pitching staff is going to have to step it up n O needs to start cranking.
Ra
Certainly not a “dagger to the heart.” Not what they wanted, sure, but every playoff team has a shot.
MacGromit
people have incredibly short memories these days. YouTube shorts and Tiktok brain.
Suarez has been an amazing find.
gr81t2
Darn
RedFraggle
Povich has shed a full run off his ERA in his last 4 starts and he has a 3.27 ERA over that span or something.
jbigz12
Povich has looked much better but that start against the WhiteSox really boosted that. 2 good 5 innings starts against the Tigers in there and a clunker against Boston.
Don’t know if we can call that turning a corner yet. Remove the game against the AAA lineup and it’s 14.2 IP 8 ER 7BB & 19K’s.
He might be good for a short burst in the playoffs but I doubt he goes even 5 innings in a game unless he’s mopping up.