Orioles Skipper Has Massive Expectations for Grayson Rodriguez
The Baltimore Orioles enter the season with higher expectations than they've had for most of the past decade.
As they entered 2023, no one thought the Orioles could have the season they had.
80 wins was a possibility, but winning 101 games and the American League East wasn't supposed to happen this quickly.
With the help of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, and other young stars, Baltimore finds themselves in a better position than any team in baseball.
Rutschman and Henderson have emerged as two of the best in the league, while Rodriguez has shown all the promise in the world.
The young starter made his debut in 2023, posting a 4.35 ERA in 122 innings. The right-hander had his struggles and was sent down to the minors after a tough two months. Instead of losing his confidence, he came back and was one of the top pitchers in the league for the second half.
Entering his first full season, the expectations are at an all-time high.
Orioles manager, Brandon Hyde, is excited to watch him pitch, saying the following, according to Chad Jennings of The Athletic:
"He's still in his first full year, and he's still really young, but he's got great stuff. And he showed in the second half what kind of pitcher he’s got a chance to be."
Baltimore traded for Corbin Burnes, a move that landed them a true ace. For Rodriguez, that could be extremely valuable as he learns from a former Cy Young Award winner.
Rodriguez made his Spring Training debut on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers. His command was off, having a three-ball count against four of the seven-hitter he faced, but he was in the upper 90s in his two innings.
