Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez begins throwing program

CINCINNATI—Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, who’s on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, has begun a throwing program, Orioles pitching coach Drew French said on Sunday. Rodriguez threw from 60-to-75 feet.

“Return to play is TBD,” French said. “We’re going to take it one step at a time, keep stacking days on top of each other and hopefully get him a couple of bullpens before we release him back.”

Rodriguez went on the injured list on April 30^th and won’t be eligible to return until May 15th. French said that he wasn’t sure if Rodriguez, who’s 4-1 with a 3.71 earned-run average in six starts, would be sent on a rehab assignment.

“We haven’t gotten there yet,” French said. “Right now, we’re looking at the early stages like getting him to his first bullpen … Great news. Today was a really good day for him, and tomorrow obviously being an offday, we’ll check in and we’ll throw again with him. We’ll take it one day at a time.

“We’ve got a tentative plan right now, but ultimately, it’s about him feeling really good on that day before and after he plays catch. We’re going to take it slow and make sure to take care of him and get him back to feeling good before we ask him to compete again.”

French said there was no update on right-hander Tyler Wells, who’s on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

“I think they’re still working through a plan of care with him,” French said. “I’m waiting on an update as well.”