Grayson Rodriguez Injury News & Updates

Rodriguez was handed the loss in Sunday's 11-8 defeat against the Rangers in Game 2 of the ALDS, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks across 1.2 innings. He struck out two.

Rodriguez had a rough welcome to the postseason, getting tagged early by the Rangers offense. The bulk of the damage came on a litany of singles in the second inning and with his pitch count climbing the team turned to the bullpen to escape the jam. Rodriguez has had a decent start to his career this season, pitching to a 4.35 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 122 regular season innings with 129 strikeouts.

Rodriguez will start Sunday in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rangers, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez will be following Game 1 starter Kyle Bradish. The rookie right-hander got sent back to the minors following a slow start this season but was dynamite after returning, posting a 2.58 ERA and 73:21 K:BB over 76.2 frames covering 13 starts. That includes a 2.17 ERA and 32:7 K:BB over 29 innings in September.

Rodriguez (7-4) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits over 5.2 innings against the Nationals. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

Rodriguez surrendered only one hit over the first four frames before giving up three in the fifth, which would lead to one run coming home for Washington. The young right-hander would then allow hits to two of the first four batters he faced in the top of the sixth before being relieved by Danny Coulombe. Rodriguez has now won five of his last six decisions (spanning eight starts) and has continued to lower his ERA with each passing month, culminating in a 2.17 ERA in September. .

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over five innings in a 5-2 loss against Cleveland. He struck out seven.

It was another strong outing from Rodriguez, who held Cleveland scoreless through four innings before allowing a pair of runs in the fifth. The rookie right-hander has held opponents to three earned runs or fewer in 11 consecutive starts, working to a 2.32 ERA in that span. Overall, Rodriguez is 6-4 with a 4.49 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 124:42 K:BB across 22 starts (116.1 innings). He'll likely make one more start this season, currently scheduled for next week against the Nationals.

Rodriguez (6-4) earned the win Saturday, allowing five hits over eight scoreless innings against the Rays. He struck out seven.

Rodriguez blanked the Rays on Saturday, dishing out no walks for the first time all year while allowing just one batter to reach third base. The rookie has come on strong during the tail end of the regular season, tallying quality starts in six of his last seven appearances (43.1 innings) to earn a 2.08 ERA and a 41:10 K:BB over that stretch. He's set to make his next start on the road against the Guardians late next week.

Rodriguez (5-4) allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over 4.1 innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Red Sox.

Rodriguez had logged five straight quality starts going into Sunday. It's unclear if the rookie right-hander was thrown off by a rain delay before the game, but he didn't have his best stuff despite throwing 63 of 89 pitches for strikes. For the season, he's at a 4.88 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 110:39 K:BB through 103.1 innings over 20 starts. Rodriguez is projected to make his next start at home versus the Rays.

Rodriguez (5-3) earned the win over the Angels on Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over six innings.

Rodriguez wasn't as dominant as he was his last time out, when he allowed just one hit over six scoreless frames against the White Sox, but he did demonstrate an impressive arsenal with 17 whiffs and seven punchouts. The right-hander has racked up five consecutive quality starts, posting a 2.32 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB over 31 innings during that stretch. Rodriguez struggled mightily early this season, but he's turned things around dramatically following a nearly two-month stint in the minors. Since returning to the Orioles' rotation July 17, he's posted a 2.85 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 48:16 K:BB across 53.2 frames.

Rodriguez (4-3) earned the win Monday, allowing one hit and one walk over six scoreless innings against the White Sox. He struck out six.

Rodriguez delivered the best performance of his rookie campaign Monday, holding the White Sox to just one hit over six innings en route to his fourth win. The 23-year-old Rodriguez hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since July 17 -- he's worked to a 2.32 ERA over his last seven outings (42.2 innings). Overall, Rodriguez's ERA sits at 5.03 with a 1.35 WHIP and 97:35 K:BB across 18 starts (93 innings) this season. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently lined up for early next week against the Angels.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks over six innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out five.

Rodriguez logged his third consecutive quality start Tuesday, though he was ultimately stuck with a no-decision in the Orioles' 6-3 defeat. The 23-year-old Rodriguez has pitched to a 3.24 ERA in seven starts since he was recalled from Triple-A on July 17. Overall, he's now 3-3 with a 5.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 91:34 K:BB across 17 starts (87 innings) this season. Rodriguez is currently lined up for a home matchup with the White Sox in his next outing.

Rodriguez (3-3) earned the win over San Diego on Monday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out six batters over seven innings.

Rodriguez worked five scoreless frames before Garrett Cooper tagged him for a solo shot in the sixth. That was the only run the rookie right-hander gave up, though, and he finished with a win to even his record at 3-3. Though the victory was his first since May 9, Rodriguez has been pitching well of late. Over his past five starts, he's posted a 2.35 ERA, 0.85 WHP and 26:9 K:BB over 30.2 innings.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings against Houston. He struck out four.

Rodriguez nailed his second quality start of the campaign Tuesday, yielding a pair of runs over six frames of work against the Astros. However, he was unable to pick up the win after Kyle Tucker launched a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the ninth. During his last four starts, Rodriguez has a 2.66 ERA and a 20:8 K:BB in 23.2 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to take on the Mariners for his next appearance.

Rodriguez (2-3) took the loss Wednesday, giving up three runs on two hits and two walks over 5.2 innings as the Orioles fell 4-1 to the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

The 23-year-old right-hander was stingy through five innings and nearly delivered his second straight quality start, but after walking two batters with two outs, he got the hook and had to watch as Shintaro Fujinami loaded the bases on another free pass before plunking consecutive Toronto batters, with both runs going on Rodriguez's ledger. Since returning to the big-league rotation after the All-Star break, Rodriguez has posted a 3.57 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB through 22.2 innings. He'll look for a better result in his next start, likely to come at home early next week against the Astros.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three hits and two walks over 6.1 scoreless innings against the Yankees. He struck out four.

Rodriguez went toe-to-toe with Gerrit Cole, and the Orioles eventually came out on top thanks to late-game heroics from Anthony Santander. It was the rookie's first scoreless outing since April 29 and just his third of the season. It's been mixed results for the 2018 first-round pick in his first big-league season, but the talent is evident. When Rodriguez limits the walks and keeps the ball in the park, he can certainly turn heads with his strikeout numbers, but that hasn't always been the case this season. He's been solid since being recalled in mid-July, posting a 3.12 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, but he's not guaranteed a spot in Baltimore's rotation during the stretch run.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over 5.2 innings against Tampa Bay. He struck out six.

After giving up four runs in his first start since being recalled by the Orioles, Rodriguez shut down the Rays, allowing three hits while falling just one out short of his first quality start of 2023. Prior to being sent down to the Minors, Rodriguez had surrendered 18 runs over four starts (17.2 innings). However, with Cole Irvin shifting to the bullpen, it's likely Rodriguez will stick around in Baltimore's rotation.

Rodriguez is scheduled to make his next start Saturday versus the Rays at Tropicana Field.

After a seven-week stay in the minors, Rodriguez was called up from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday and rejoined the Orioles rotation as a replacement for Cole Irvin, who was moved to the bullpen. Rodriguez fell short of a baseline quality start in his outing against the Dodgers, but after working five innings while striking out four and allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks, the Orioles were satisfied enough with his performance to give him another turn through the rotation. If Rodriguez avoids the home-run problems that befell him earlier this season, he could be headed for an extended stay in the big leagues, barring the Orioles adding another established starting pitcher ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Rodriguez yielded four runs on seven hits and two walks over five-plus innings in Monday's loss to the Dodgers. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Rodriguez looked strong Monday, yielding just one run through five frames. He then allowed three straight batters to reach base in the sixth inning and was charged with three more runs. It was his first MLB outing since May 26 after a stint with Triple-A Norfolk and he now owns a 7.33 ERA through 50.1 career innings at the top level. Rodriguez's next outing is projected to be in Tampa Bay this weekend.

Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Rodriguez will make his long-awaited return to the Orioles' rotation Monday against the Dodgers. It's a tough matchup, as is a tentative start versus the Rays later this week, but Rodriguez's upside warrants a roster spot in fantasy leagues even if you might not use him right away. The young right-hander posted a 1.69 ERA in 37.1 innings at Norfolk after being optioned in late May.

The Orioles will recall Rodriguez from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday to start against the Dodgers, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez was sent down to the minors in late May after accumulating a 7.35 ERA and 1.74 WHIP through 45.1 innings across 10 starts to begin his MLB career. Since then, he's put up a 1.69 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through 37.1 frames in Triple-A -- good enough to reclaim a spot in Baltimore's rotation. A corresponding move has yet to be announced.

Rodriguez pitched three scoreless innings Sunday for Triple-A Norfolk in a planned shorter outing heading into the All-Star break, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez struck out a career-high 12 batters over six scoreless innings earlier this week against Durham and boasted a 1.83 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 51 strikeouts in 34.1 innings across his six most recent starts prior to Sunday. It would seem that he could rejoin the big-league rotation shortly after the break.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.

Rodriguez will head down to Norfolk after he's struggled on the mound recently, posting an inflated 11.14 ERA and 2.10 WHIP with 22 strikeouts over 21 innings in five starts in May. The 23-year-old has struggled with the long ball this season, surrendering 13 homers over his 10 outings. Rodriguez will now have an opportunity to get back on track with Norfolk before he inevitably gets another shot in the big leagues down the line. Keegan Akin was called up to replace him on the major-league roster Saturday and will likely replace Rodriguez in the starting rotation.

Rodriguez (2-2) allowed nine runs (eight earned) on six hits and three walks over 3.1 frames Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against Texas.

Rodriguez coughed up three home runs Friday, including Corey Seagers' grand slam in the fourth inning that bounced him from the contest. Over his last five starts, Rodriguez has allowed a whopping 27 runs (11 home runs), raising his season ERA from 4.07 to 7.35 through 45.1 innings. It's hard to find a bright spot from Friday's start but the rookie's 13 swinging strikes marked the first time he recorded double-digit whiffs since April 29. Rodriguez will look to snap out of the funk in his next start, which is lined up to be a home matchup against the Guardians.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over five frames during a 6-5 loss to Toronto in 10 innings. He struck out six.

Rodriguez bounced back Saturday after allowing eight runs over 3.1 innings in his previous outing versus the Angels. It was his fifth outing of the year allowing two or fewer runs, as 23 of the rookie's 29 earned runs have come in just four of his nine starts. Overall, he boasts an ugly 6.21 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, but his 50:18 K:BB across 42.0 innings remains encouraging. Rodriguez's next start is projected for the opener of a three-game weekend set versus Texas.

Rodriguez (2-1) took the loss Monday, allowing eight runs on nine hits and three walks over 3.1 innings during a 9-5 loss to the Angels. He struck out three.

Rodriguez served up a season-high eight earned runs Monday and has now allowed multiple home runs in three straight starts. The right-hander has been a hit-or-miss player during his first big-league stint, allowing four total earned runs in four starts (20.2 innings) while surrendering 23 runs over his other four appearances (16.1 innings). Overall, the rookie sports a 6.57 ERA and 1.73 WHIP, but his 44:17 K:BB across 37 innings is encouraging. Rodriguez will look to bounce back in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for a three-game weekend set versus the Rangers.

Rodriguez does not have a hard innings cap this season, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com on Friday.

It will be a necessity to manage Rodriguez's workload after he was limited to just 75.2 innings last season because of a strained lat. However, it sounds like the O's don't have a strict number in mind, or at least not one they're willing to share publicly. Rodriguez went a career-long 5.2 frames and threw a career-high 101 pitches in his last start Tuesday versus the Rays.

Rodriguez (2-0) earned the win Tuesday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings against the Rays. He struck out four.

Rodriguez held the first-place Rays at bay for the majority of Tuesday's outing, allowing just a pair of solo home runs as he improved to 2-0. The home-run ball has hurt Rodriguez recently -- he's allowed five homers in his last two starts (seven innings). He now sports a 5.08 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 41:14 K:BB through his first seven MLB starts. The 23-year-old Rodriguez is currently lined up to face the Angels at home in his next outing.

Rodriguez allowed six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out three batters over 3.2 innings against Kansas City on Thursday. He did not factor in the decision.

Rodriguez entered Thursday having pitched a combined 10 scoreless innings over his previous two appearances, but he couldn't maintain that momentum against the Royals. The right-hander served up three homers and five runs between the third and fourth frames, departing with two outs in the fourth inning having thrown 77 pitches. The eight hits and six total runs he allowed were both season highs, while the three punchouts were a season low. Rodriguez's ERA jumped from 4.07 to 5.46 as a result of the poor outing.

Rodriguez (1-0) picked up the win in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers, scattering two hits and a walk over five scoreless innings in a 6-4 victory. He struck out a career-high nine.

The rookie right-hander is still working on his efficiency, as he needed 91 pitches (59 strikes) to record 15 outs, but Rodriguez's results are beginning to match his prodigious talent as he generated an impressive 31 called or swinging strikes. He's got a 14-inning scoreless streak going, and through his first 24.1 frames in the majors the 23-year-old sports a 4.07 ERA and 34:11 K:BB. Rodriguez will look to build on his dominant run in his next outing, which could come next week in Kansas City.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Sunday, pitching five scoreless innings in which he allowed five hits and three walks during a 2-1 win the Tigers. He struck out six.

Rodriguez allowed at least one baserunner in each of the first four frames, but he kept the Tigers off the board and was pulled after retiring the side in order in the fifth. It was the rookie's best performance of the season, and he lowered his ERA from 6.91 to 5.12. He currently sports a 25:10 K:BB through four starts (19.1 innings) and is tentatively scheduled to pitch again during a rematch against the Tigers in Detroit.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits with two walks over five innings in the victory over the White Sox. He struck out eight.

Despite giving up two home runs in the first inning, Rodriguez bounced back by working in more of his changeup, racking up a career-high eight strikeouts. The 23-year-old didn't allow another run for the remainder of his outing, pitching solidly until being relieved in the sixth. While Rodriguez struggled early this season, this performance showcased his potential to become a dominant force on the mound with continued refinement of his approach. He will bring a 6.91 ERA and 1.60 WHIP into his next start, scheduled tentatively for the upcoming series with Detriot.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks over 4.1 innings in a 12-8 victory for the Orioles over the Athletics. He struck out six.

Rodriguez had some good moments in his first ever start in front of a home crowd in Baltimore, but they were too often followed by moments of frustration. The 23-year-old didn't give up a ton of hard contact, but he did struggle to consistently locate his pitches for the second consecutive outing. Despite his struggles, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde did confirm that Rodriguez will remain a member of the Baltimore rotation. His next start is scheduled against the White Sox on Sunday.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over five innings against the Rangers. He struck out five.

Rodriquez walked the first batter he saw in his MLB debut and got hit hard in the first inning, allowing two runs on two hits. However, the rookie settled down after a rough first and posted four scoreless outings to keep Baltimore in the game against Jacob deGrom. Rodriquez should draw at least one more start with Kyle Bradish (foot) on the 15-day injured list, but the 2018 first-round pick will likely have to shine in his next outing to stick in the big leagues long term. He's scheduled to pitch again next Tuesday against Oakland.

The Orioles recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A Norfolk ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Rangers in Arlington, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old right-hander will be making his much-anticipated MLB debut Wednesday, stepping into the rotation as a replacement for Kyle Bradish (foot), who was placed on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Though Rodriguez is the Orioles' top pitching prospect and should at least hold down a rotation spot so long as Bradish is on the shelf, he'll likely need to rectify the command and control problems he's shown throughout the spring in order to earn a more permanent stay in the big leagues. Rodriguez failed to win a spot on the Opening Day roster after walking seven batters and surrendering three home runs in 15.1 Grapefruit League innings, and those issues carried over to his lone Triple-A start prior to his call-up. He worked four innings his last time out Friday with Norfolk, striking out two while issuing four walks, throwing a wild pitch and serving up a home run.

Rodriguez is being called up Wednesday by the Orioles, Geoff Pontes of Baseball America reports.

It's likely that Rodriguez will be the starter for the Orioles with Baltimore having to adjust their rotation after the leg injury to Kyle Bradish. The top pitching prospect in the Baltimore system missed out on the Opening Day roster, but it appears he'll get the opportunity to make his MLB debut against the Rangers on Wednesday.

Rodriguez is starting for Triple-A Norfolk in their season opener Friday against Triple-A Durham, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Rodriguez did not ultimately claim a spot in the Orioles' Opening Day rotation after struggling to a 7.04 ERA across 15.1 innings (five starts) this spring in the Grapefruit League. But the 23-year-old should again dominate the competition at the Triple-A level en route to an early-season promotion to Baltimore. He posted a 2.20 ERA with 97 strikeouts over 69.2 innings (14 starts) for Norfolk last year.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk by the Orioles on Monday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

It was revealed earlier Monday that Rodriguez wasn't going to be part of the Orioles' rotation and now he's officially been sent down. While the top prospect did struggle this spring, the odds are good that he'll get off to a good start with Norfolk and join the O's rotation sooner rather than later.

Rodriguez will not be part of the Orioles' Opening Day roster, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimore Banner.com reports.

Prior to spring training, Rodriguez cracking the Opening Day rotation seemed like a foregone conclusion. However, Kostka writes that "the internal feeling was that Rodriguez hadn't been consistent enough" during his five Grapefruit League outings. The top prospect struck out 19 over 15.1 innings this spring but also walked seven and held a 7.04 ERA. Rodriguez should be part of Baltimore's rotation soon enough, but for now he'll have to wait.

Rodriguez was charged for five runs -- two earned -- over 3.2 innings of work Saturday in a Grapefruit League start against the Red Sox.

Rodriguez wasn't helped by his defense, but he allowed six hits and two walks to go along with three strikeouts. The 22-year-old now has a 5.56 ERA in spring training, but as Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports, the Orioles very much want Rodriguez to be a part of their Opening Day rotation. With his ability to miss at-bats, managers should still be interested in making him a part of their fantasy roster.

Rodriguez (lat) will make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday versus the Tigers, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez missed three months last season while at Triple-A Norfolk due to a right lat strain, although he did return late in the year and entered spring training without any restrictions. He'll face some workload limitations in 2023 but is expected to break camp as part of the Orioles' rotation.

Orioles GM Mike Elias said Sunday he expects Rodriguez to make the team's Opening Day starting rotation, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old was poised to make his big-league debut last summer before a Grade 2 lat strain resulted in a three-month absence, though he returned from the injured list to make six appearances in September. Rodriguez made 14 starts for Triple-A Norfolk in 2022 and had a 2.20 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 97:21 K:BB across 69.2 innings, and he should crack Baltimore's Opening Day rotation with a decent showing during spring training. The young right-hander's reduced workload last year likely means he'll face some workload limitations in 2023.

Rodriguez was added to the Orioles' 40-man roster Tuesday.

As arguably the top pitching prospect in the game, this was a forgone conclusion, as it protects Rodriguez from the Rule 5 draft. A Grade 2 lat strain prevented Rodriguez from making his big-league debut last season, but he has essentially nothing left to prove in the minors. The Orioles will have to manage his innings in 2023, as he totaled 75.2 innings last season and is the most promising pitcher in the organization.

Rodriguez (lat) has completed his rehab assignment and will return from Triple-A Norfolk's 60-day injured list during the upcoming weekend and slot back into the affiliate's rotation, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

The 22-year-old right-hander was on the shelf for three months with a right lat strain before he began his rehab assignment Sept. 1 at High-A Aberdeen. He proceeded to move up to Double-A Bowie for his last two rehab starts, covering 4.2 innings between those outings while striking out 11 batters. Rodriguez's workload will likely be monitored carefully at Triple-A the rest of the way, but he could still be a candidate for a promotion to the big leagues over the final few weeks of the season if Baltimore remains in contention for a wild-card spot.

Rodriguez (lat) will continue his rehab assignment at Double-A Bowie next week, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez began his rehab assignment Thursday with High-A Aberdeen, logging 1.1 scoreless innings. It's unclear how many additional rehab appearances the right-hander will need before he can rejoin Triple-A Norfolk. It's still possible he gets a cup of coffee with the Orioles before the end of the year as long as his recovery continues to go well.

Rodriguez (lat) threw 1.1 scoreless innings while walking two and striking out one in a rehab outing with High-A Aberdeen on Thursday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Rodriguez appeared in game action for the first time since June 1, so it makes sense that he wasn't pushed in terms of workload. However, he was spotted throwing in the bullpen after his outing to continue to build up his pitch count. It's unclear what Baltimore has planned for Rodriguez, though it's possible he makes his big-league debut as a reliever so long as the team remains in wild-card contention.

Rodriguez (lat) will report to High-A Aberdeen on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez, who has been on the injured list at Triple-A Norfolk since early June, may require multiple tune-up outings in the lower rungs of the minors before reporting to the Orioles' top affiliate. Due to the extended time he missed while recovering from a right lat strain, Rodriguez may not have enough time to get stretched out for a traditional starter's role, but he'll still have an outside shot at earning a promotion to the majors in September as a reliever while the Orioles remain in contention for a wild-card spot.

Rodriguez (lat) successfully completed a live batting practice session Wednesday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Rodriguez is ramping up his workload in his throwing program this week, and he felt good after facing hitters Wednesday. Assuming he continues to feel good in the coming days, he's expected to pitch in a simulated game sometime later this week.

Rodriguez (lat) will face hitters this week, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Rodriguez threw 25 pitches off a mound two weeks ago, and he'll ramp up his workload this week as he continues to recover from a right lat strain. He's slated to throw a bullpen, live batting practice and a simulated game this week, and it seems likely that he'll be able to return from the injured list sometime in September.

Rodriguez (lat) threw off a mound Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez's throwing session Wednesday marked the first time that he's thrown off a mound since landing on the injured list in early June. While the right-hander was shut down for several weeks after sustaining his injury, the Orioles are optimistic that he'll be able to return prior to the end of the season.

Rodriguez (lat) has begun throwing on flat ground from 120 feet, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rodriguez has been shut down since early June with a Grade 2 lat strain, but the Orioles remain optimistic he can return to action before the end of the season. That said, he still has numerous hurdles to overcome in his recovery, and it's unlikely he's back before September.

Rodriguez underwent an MRI on his strained lat Tuesday which came back clean, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Rodriguez was shut down with the injury in early June, and reports at the time suggested that he could be done for the season. His good news this week seemingly ups his odds of returning before the end of the year, though the Orioles didn't offer an official timeline for his recovery.

Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 lat strain and it's possible he will not return this season, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The team estimated a September return while acknowledging that it could be a longer or shorter absence. General manager Mike Elias said Rodriguez could still get a spot in the 2023 rotation even if he doesn't return this year. Rodriguez is a candidate to pitch in the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time.

Rodriguez has been shut down from throwing after being diagnosed with a strained right lat muscle, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The 22-year-old exited Wednesday's start for Triple-A Norfolk with right lat discomfort, and he's now expected to miss "a decent amount of time at a minimum," according to GM Mike Elias. The right-hander has a 2.09 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 80:14 K:BB over 56 innings this season and appeared to be on the cusp of his major-league debut, but Rodriguez, who is arguably the top pitching prospect in baseball, is now facing what could be a lengthy absence.

Rodriguez was diagnosed with right lat discomfort after leaving Wednesday's start for Triple-A Norfolk, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

The 22-year-old was initially reported to be managing back cramps, but the official injury announcement from the Orioles is a more concerning diagnosis. It's unclear if Rodriguez will be available for his next turn through Norfolk's rotation, and he should be considered day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated.

Rodriguez was lifted from Wednesday's start for Triple-A Norfolk due to cramps in his back, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Rodriguez exited Wednesday's outing after 5.2 scoreless innings when he showed some decreased velocity, but the initial diagnosis of back cramps should alleviate concerns of a serious injury. The 22-year-old is still scheduled to undergo additional testing, but it appears he's dealing with only a minor injury and shouldn't miss much time, if any.

Rodriguez was removed from Wednesday's start with Triple-A Norfolk due to an apparent injury, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

The 22-year-old delivered 5.2 scoreless innings before being looked at by the training staff and leaving Wednesday's contest. According to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun, the mound visit during the sixth inning occurred after Rodriguez saw his fastball velocity drop to 89 mph from the mid 90s. The right-hander, who is one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, should be considered day-to-day until more information is available on the apparent injury.

Rodriguez struck out a season-high 11 while allowing three walks and three hits across 5.1 scoreless innings in a win for Triple-A Norfolk over Charlotte on Tuesday.

He's now sitting on a 2.65 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 57:13 K:BB across 37.1 innings this year -- right in line with his history of dominance throughout the minor leagues. There aren't a lot of flaws to be found in GrayRod's game, but it's worth noting that 10 of those 13 walks have come in his last four starts. He also hasn't been permitted to go deeper than 5.1 innings in any outing this year. In short, he isn't superhuman, but he's still one of the most exciting pitching prospects to come along in quite some time. With five plus pitches and velocity that can touch 100, he has the look of an instant-impact arm. The only question left is when the O's will see fit to promote him.

Rodriguez has posted a 2.00 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 15:1 K:BB across nine innings in his first two starts for Triple-A Norfolk.

Any concerns that baseball's best pitching prospect would be slowed in his ascent by Triple-A bats have been alleviated early on. Rodriguez hasn't pitched deep into either of his first two starts, but that can likely be chalked up to the abbreviated spring slate -- though it is worth noting that he threw just 103 innings last season, so the O's will likely monitor his workload this year. Despite John Means (elbow) hitting the IL, there's been no serious talk of promoting Rodriguez quite yet, but it looks like just a matter of time.

Rodriguez struck out a career-high 12 strikeouts over five innings for Double-A Bowie in a 6-2 win over Erie. He permitted one unearned run on two hits and one walk over the 83-pitch outing.

Heading into Sunday's start, Rodriguez had already dazzled over his first seven outings at Double-A, posting a 2.34 ERA and 0.81 WHIP while recording 45 punchouts in 34.2 innings. He somehow managed to raise the bar against a loaded Erie lineup, which featured a trio of highly-regarded Tigers prospects in Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene and Dylan Dingler. The 21-year-old righty looks like one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, and if he continues to dominate in the upper levels of the minors, he should be on track to join Baltimore's big-league rotation by the middle of 2022.

Rodriguez has posted a 1.82 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 36:7 K:BB through five starts with Double-A Bowie.

The 21-year-old righty dominated across five starts in High-A before being promoted, and he hasn't missed a beat with the move to a higher level of competition. All in all, he's surrendered just nine runs in 10 minor-league starts this year with a 76:12 K:BB in 48.0 innings. Rodriguez's future looks extremely bright, though he probably won't make his MLB debut until next year.

Rodriguez is expected to make his next start with Double-A Bowie.

Rodriguez has dominated at High-A Aberdeen with a 1.54 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 40:5 K:BB across five starts this season. The right-hander will move up and look to keep up the success at Bowie in the next step of his development.

Rodriguez is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and a 31:4 K:BB in 18.1 innings through his first four starts at High-A Aberdeen.

After the cancellation of the 2020 minor-league season, Rodriguez has picked up right where he left off in 2019, when he was named the Orioles' Jim Palmer Minor-League Co-Pitcher of the Year along with Michael Baumann. While making the jump from Low-A Delmarva to the High-A level, Rodriguez hasn't been phased by the improved competition. Blessed with a deep repertoire that includes a high-90s four-seamer, curveball, cutter and spinning changeup, the 21-year-old Rodriguez looks like the top pitching prospect in the Baltimore system.