It turns out that the New York Yankees aren’t the only team in the AL East dealing with injuries. On Friday, the Baltimore Orioles announced that starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (right triceps/back of elbow) and reliever Andrew Kittredge (left knee) will both begin the season on the injured list.
Kittredge will be sidelined for several months following arthroscopic surgery. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde stated that it’s still unclear how much time Rodriguez, who was expected to be the Opening Day starter, will miss.
“He’s experiencing discomfort in the back of his elbow, and we are still seeking multiple opinions,” Hyde explained about Rodriguez. “It’s not a ligament issue, so we’re not concerned about that,” Hyde added, according to the Orioles’ official website. “However, this will lead to some missed time.”
It’s getting worse for the Orioles. All-Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson, coming off a 9.1 bWAR season, is still sidelined with a right intercostal strain, and it’s unclear whether he’ll also begin the season on the injured list.
Grayson Rodriguez, who went 13-4 last season, reported right triceps soreness earlier this week. The 25-year-old gave up three hits and one run over 1.1 innings on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins.
Last year, the 2018 No. 11 overall pick posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.4 bWAR in 20 starts, but he missed time due to right shoulder inflammation and a season-ending right lat strain. Cade Povich, who has struck out seven in five scoreless innings this spring, is likely to take Rodriguez’s spot. Povich went 3-9 with a 5.20 ERA in 16 starts last season.
