What you need to know about G-Rod's debut

ARLINGTON -- It seemed likely Grayson Rodriguez would make his Major League debut in 2022, his third full professional season. A right lat strain, which caused the right-hander to miss three months, prevented that from happening.

It seemed even more likely Rodriguez would break camp with the Orioles coming out of Spring Training 2023, setting him up to make his first big league start within the first five games of the regular season. Then, he struggled late in spring and got optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on the final day of camp.

But Rodriguez’s return to the Minors was short, as on Wednesday, he was called up by Baltimore to start its series finale vs. Texas at Globe Life Field -- the O’s sixth game of the season -- and go head to head with new Rangers ace Jacob deGrom. Here’s all the info you need ahead of Rodriguez’s MLB debut.

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When is the game, and how can I watch it?

The Orioles and Rangers conclude their three-game set on Wednesday at 2:05 p.m. ET. It will broadcast locally on MASN2 and can be streamed live on MLB.TV.

Why is it such a big deal?

Rodriguez, the Orioles’ No. 2 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 overall prospect, is the best pitcher to come through the organization’s Minor League ranks in quite some time. During his ascent through the Minors, Rodriguez has dominated at every stop. He owns a 2.49 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 70 games across five levels.

Before Rodriguez, the most recent Baltimore pitching prospect to appear this high in MLB Pipeline’s rankings was Dylan Bundy (No. 2 overall at the start of 2013).

Rodriguez’s debut also marks yet another marquee arrival from the Orioles’ top-ranked farm system. Catcher Adley Rutschman debuted last May 21, and he was MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 overall prospect at the time. Infielder Gunnar Henderson (the current No. 1 overall prospect) debuted last Aug. 31.

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Where is he from, and how did the Orioles acquire him?

Rodriguez attended Central Heights High School in Nacogdoches, Texas, which is about 175 miles southeast of Globe Life Field. Multiple members of his family are expected to be in attendance as he debuts in his home state.

Baltimore selected Rodriguez with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Central Heights.

What number will he wear?

Rodriguez will wear No. 30, the same number he wore for the majority of his Minor League career. He's the first Orioles player to wear it since former All-Star pitcher Chris Tillman (2012-18).

How old is he?

Rodriguez is 23. He was born on Nov. 16, 1999.

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Why is now the right time for his MLB debut?

The O’s unexpectedly had to shuffle their pitching plans after right-hander Kyle Bradish exited his season debut on Monday in the second inning, when he took a 104 mph liner off his right foot. Tyler Wells, Tuesday’s scheduled starter, came into that game and tossed five hitless innings of relief. Kyle Gibson was then bumped up from Wednesday to start Tuesday on regular rest.

Rodriguez, who made his season debut with Triple-A Norfolk last Friday, was on turn to pitch Wednesday, making it an opportune time for him to start. Bradish (right foot contusion) was placed on the 15-day injured list to clear a spot for Rodriguez.

What can we expect from him?

In his previous outing with Norfolk, Rodriguez threw 75 pitches. He had a full build-up this spring, making five Grapefruit League starts, so he realistically could throw 90-plus pitches Wednesday, as long as his performance warrants keeping him in that long.

Rodriguez has a great fastball/changeup combo, with each of those offerings grading at 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His heater often got up to 98-99 mph in Spring Training. He also has a cutter-like slider and a curveball that got much sharper this spring. The 6-foot-5 righty’s four-pitch mix should easily play at the big league level.

How long will he be up for?

That’s TBD. When Rodriguez was sent down at the end of camp, Orioles general manager Mike Elias said he thought Rodriguez needed to “look like himself and get some longer outings” before getting called up. He’s made only one four-inning start since, so perhaps he could end up going back to Norfolk when Bradish returns.

Of course, if Rodriguez pitches well in the two starts he’s likely to get, he could be in the Major Leagues for good. So his performance likely will dictate this decision.