G-Rod slowed by triceps soreness, undergoing evaluation

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Add another key Orioles player to the list of those dealing with injuries this Spring Training.

Grayson Rodriguez reported soreness in his right triceps on Thursday, per manager Brandon Hyde, a day after the 25-year-old right-hander struggled during a 1 1/3-inning Grapefruit League start vs. the Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Rodriguez is still being evaluated, and Hyde said he would have more information on Friday.

¡°I heard about it postgame,¡± Hyde said. ¡°He just wasn¡¯t feeling real up to himself, and today, he showed a little bit of triceps soreness.¡±

Is Hyde concerned about Rodriguez¡¯s status at the moment?

¡°Sure. There¡¯s always concern,¡± Hyde said. ¡°I¡¯m concerned every day right now with everybody.¡±

Baltimore is currently without star shortstop Gunnar Henderson (right intercostal strain) and right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge (left knee soreness), who is getting multiple opinions after undergoing an MRI. Both are in jeopardy of missing Opening Day on March 27 in Toronto.

Jordan Westburg (lower back soreness) returned to the O¡¯s lineup on Thursday night vs. the Pirates after missing the previous 10 games. However, Tyler O'Neill was scratched due to left rib cage soreness and was removed as a precaution.

Rodriguez dealt with multiple injuries during his 2024 sophomore season. He had two stints on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation (April 30-May 18) and a right lat/teres strain (Aug. 7 through the end of the season). When healthy, he pitched well, recording a 3.86 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings over 20 starts.

Over two MLB seasons, Rodriguez (a former top prospect and 2018 first-round Draft pick) has a 4.11 ERA in 43 starts. He is expected to take a big step forward in 2025, with the Orioles counting on him to help offset the loss of ace Corbin Burnes, who signed with the D-backs in the offseason.

Rodriguez labored through his 33-pitch outing on Wednesday, during which his velocity was down considerably. He hit 95 mph only once, and he also threw an 89.4 mph heater that was slower than every four-seam fastball he¡¯s thrown during his big league career.

Afterward, Rodriguez was asked if he was dealing with any physical or mechanical issues.

¡°Kind of felt like I was fighting myself today. Felt pretty sluggish. Yeah, kind of sluggish,¡± Rodriguez said. ¡°I just don¡¯t think I could really get behind the ball today and spin it how I wanted to. ... I don¡¯t really know if it¡¯s mechanical or not. I just know some days are harder than others.¡±

If Rodriguez misses significant time, there could be an opening on Baltimore¡¯s staff.

Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano are locks for the O¡¯s rotation. Albert Su¨¢rez is also a front-runner for a roster spot, though the 35-year-old right-hander could serve as either a starter or as a reliever.

Cade Povich is building a strong case for an Opening Day roster spot. The 24-year-old left-hander has tossed five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and only one hit allowed over two Grapefruit starts.

Of course, more information should come Friday that will help determine the severity of Rodriguez¡¯s ailment.