Orioles’ Trevor Rogers: ‘We’re just as frustrated as anybody because we know the talent…in this room’

Trevor Rogers will start Friday night’s game against the Washington Nationals. The 28-year-old left-hander was voted Most Valuable Oriole last year when he had a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts.

Rogers was named the Opening Day starter and after three effective starts to begin the season, he hit a rough patch, went on the injured list because of the flu, and of late has been pitching well.

Last Saturday, he allowed just one hit in seven innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Overall, Rogers is 4-7 with a 5.30 ERA in 14 starts.

He talked about his season, the team’s struggles, what he learned from 2025 and his future.

Question: Are the players as mad as the fans are that the team hasn’t put together a good few weeks? (The Orioles added to that frustration on Wednesday when they self-destructed again in a 10-inning, 7-6 loss to the Angels.)

Trevor Rogers: “Extremely frustrating. We’re just as frustrated as anybody because we know the talent that we have in this room. For whatever reason, whatever it may be, we just haven’t played up to the standard that we know we can play consistently.

“We know where we’re at in terms of the season. Trade deadline coming up in about a month. I don’t think it’s a good time to say, ‘We need to be forcing things.’

“We do know what’s at stake. I trust the guys to start locking in and playing consistent baseball and get back to where we know we can be.”

Question: How would you classify your season so far?

Rogers: “I think it’s been pretty solid. I had that stretch there where I wasn’t throwing the ball the way I needed to, but I think I got better because of it. I figured out if you’re not commanding the ball, hitters up here are going to make you pay.

“I wasn’t doing that. The fact that we figured it out and got through that and now I’m starting to throw the ball a bit more consistent and throw it the way I can throw it. I’m really happy the way the first half has gone so far.”

Question: The starters have pitched very well recently. What do you attribute that to?

Rogers: “I think there was a time when all of us were trying to do too much. We were trying to force things and trying to pitch well and trying to do well, trying to do this, trying to do that instead of letting our talent and our work and our process dictate that and just stop trying to do too much.

“Just keeping things really simple that we can control, first-pitch strikes, commanding the ball, early outs. I think we’ve all done a really good job and being consistent in that and hopefully we continue to do that.”

Question: What was the most important thing you learned from last year?

Rogers: “Probably that I could still pitch up here at a high level and do it consistently. Prior to that, was pretty inconsistent on my part. I said it a thousand times, it’s a lot of self-doubt and all that jazz. Just having that stretch that I went on last year was helpful for me. Just knowing that I could do it and help my team win at the end of the day. That was big.”

Question: This year’s starting staff is different. There’s Shane Baz, Brandon Young and Chris Bassitt. How is it working with a largely new staff?

Rogers: “It’s been great. It’s been a solid group of guys. I played with Baz in the All-American game. Bassitt, played with him for a couple of years, and then BY doing what’s he doing this year. It’s been really fun to watch and be a part of. It’s one of the most talented, if not the most talented rotation I’ve ever been a part of. It’s been really fun.”

Question: Do you think you’re going to be here a year from now?

Rogers: “I hope so. They know how I feel about this place. I like it here. At the end of the day, it’s a business, and I’ve got to perform. I can’t control next year or even a month from now. Hopefully, I’m still wearing this uniform. I’m going to enjoy my time and give everything I’ve got for this club for the next three months, so we’ll see.” 

Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com