Orioles want more opinions on Rodriguez’s shoulder; Kittredge making progress

BALTIMORE—Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez went for an MRI on his right shoulder on Thursday, and after getting the results, the Orioles are seeking more information.

“We got the results back. We’re going to get some other opinions on it, so there’s really nothing to report at this time,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “We’re gathering opinions from other doctors. We’ll have more to give you sometime when that stuff comes back.”

Rodriguez is on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, and hasn’t pitched since he was shut down after a spring training start on March 5^th against Minnesota in Fort Myers.

Young getting ready for start

Brandon Young, the Orioles’ minor league pitcher of the year in 2024, will make his major league debut on Saturday against Cincinnati. Young is on the taxi squad for Friday night’s game.

The 6-foot-6, 26 year-old right-hander will be the second Oriole to make his major league debut this season. Starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who went seven innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night, was the other.

“You never know what you’re going to get in someone’s major league debut,” Hyde said. “He’s had a couple of good appearances down in Norfolk. Hopefully, he’s able to calm the nerves down and give us a good start tomorrow afternoon.”

Kittredge making progress

Reliever Andrew Kittredge, who’s on the 15-day injured list after surgery to remove cartilage from his left knee, is making progress, and executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said Kittredge might be able to pitch sometime in May.

“I think some of it … remains to be seen — what it’s like once when I’m actually in games, on rehab assignment as far as the pitches,” Kittredge said. “You can only tell so much in a bullpen [session], but everything to this point has gone really well. I like where my arm’s at, too. It’s definitely reasonable to say it’s before the end of May. I’m definitely shooting for that. I would hope it’s as soon as it can be. Definitely want to be ready before I get back activated. I don’t want to do it just because I’m excited to be back and jump the gun.”

The 35-year-old Kittredge who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with an option for 2026, is encouraged.

“It’s going really well,” Kittredge said. “Knee feels great for kind of in the throwing, getting ready for game stage. Everything to this point has gone really, really well, probably better than expected. I’m excited to get out there when I do.”

Kittredge has thrown bullpen sessions, and now he needs to throw to batters.

“We’re just building up. It’s my spring training 2.0,” Kittredge said. “Getting more and more off the mound and facing some hitters.”

Kittredge could be a big addition to the back end of the bullpen.

“I was excited coming into the season, and that really hasn’t changed,” he said.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.