Grayson Rodriguez, a top starter for the Orioles, was scratched 30 minutes before his scheduled start on Tuesday. Albert Suarez started in place of Rodriguez. The team announced that Rodriguez was scratched due to discomfort in the right lat teres.
Orioles Starter Scratched From Start Just Minutes Beforehand
Grayson Rodriguez was scratched because of right lat teres discomfort
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) August 7, 2024
This appears to be muscles in the upper and mid back
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) August 7, 2024
This is not the first time Rodriguez has suffered an injury to his right lat. While in the minors in 2022, Rodriguez strained his right lat and missed a significant amount of time. The Orioles have had many starters go down with injuries this year. Rodriguez is just the latest to go down and hopefully misses a minimal amount of time.
Grayson Rodriguez The Rock
Aside from All-Star Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez has been the Orioles most consistent starter this year. He has started 20 games so far and pitched to a solid 3.86 ERA. He leads the MLB with 13 wins and has just 4 losses. His .765 Win-Loss Percentage leads the American League. Also, Rodriguez has 130 strikeouts this season, which results in an impressive 10 K/9. Rodriguez has been an absolute rock in the Orioles rotation and losing him would be difficult to overcome. Mainly because the trade deadline has already passed, and the Orioles would have to replace Rodriguez internally.
What Rodriguez Being Out Would Mean
If Rodriguez would have to miss time, the Orioles rotation would be taking a big hit. Albert Suarez would take Rodriguez’s spot, but he has been more effective out of the bullpen. Another option would be Cole Irvin, who was recently outrighted to Norfolk’s Orioles Triple-A team. However, despite a hot start, Irvin struggled in July before getting DFA’d after the trade deadline. A further option would be rookie Cade Povich, who has made 8 starts this year. However, Povich has struggled and needs a reset down in Norfolk. One possible option may have been another rookie, Chayce McDermott, but he just went on the Triple-A injured list.
Main Photo Credits: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
