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Baltimore Orioles top pitching prospect could make Opening Day roster

By David Hill

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: The Baltimore Orioles announce their first round draft pick Grayson Rodriguez to the fans during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Red Sox won 6-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: The Baltimore Orioles announce their first round draft pick Grayson Rodriguez to the fans during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Red Sox won 6-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Orioles fans may not have to wait much longer to see Grayson Rodriguez in action at the major league level.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Rodriguez is going to get every opportunity to be a key part of the Orioles rotation. He reported that general manager Mike Elias expects that the Orioles’ top pitching prospect will be a part of their Opening Day roster, staking an early claim on a spot in their rotation.

Grayson Rodriguez could be what Baltimore Orioles need

The Orioles had a somewhat disappointing offseason. While they did address the pitching staff by bringing in Cole Irvin and Kyle Gibson, neither pitcher is that top of the rotation arm that the Orioles need to truly compete for a playoff push. Instead, the Orioles are hoping that their youngsters take another step forward as they look to return to the postseason.

Rodriguez is a key part of that equation. A consensus top ten prospect for the past two years, and a top 100 prospect since the beginning of the 2020 season, he put together another stellar showing in 2022. Despite three months with a grade 2 lat strain, he posted a 2.62 ERA and a 0.991 WHiP in his 75.2 innings across three levels, striking out 109 batters with 28 walks. It is entirely possible that he can end up atop the Orioles’ rotation early in the year.

It is also a lot of pressure to put on a young player. As impressive as Rodriguez may have been in the minors, there is no guarantee that success will translate at the major league level. Major league history is littered with “can’t miss” prospects that did exactly that. However, if Rodriguez is everything he is expected to be, then the Orioles will that top of the rotation arm they need.

Next. Orioles bolster rotation with Irvin. dark

Baltimore Orioles fans may not have to wait long for their next impressive prospect to debut. Grayson Rodriguez is expected to be part of the Opening Day rotation.

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