O’s call up Rodriguez; MLB’s No. 7-ranked prospect to debut today

ARLINGTON — Grayson Rodriguez is coming to Texas. And not simply to go to his family and friends, as he is set to debut within the Major Leagues.

The 23-year-old will begin the Orioles’ collection finale in opposition to the Rangers at Globe Life Field on Wednesday afternoon. 

Rodriguez, who was born in Houston and attended highschool 150 miles north in Nacogdoches, Texas, had a tricky finish to Spring Training, when he posted a 7.04 ERA in 5 Grapefruit League begins. Baltimore’s No. 2 prospect (and MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 general prospect) allowed 14 runs (11 earned) in 10 2/3 innings over his remaining three outings and was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to open the season.

Last Friday, Rodriguez made his first begin of the season for Norfolk and allowed three runs (two earned) in 4 innings at Durham.

Rodriguez seemingly would have reached the Majors in 2022 had he not missed three months resulting from a proper lat pressure. But it was clear he was on monitor to get to the large leagues in ‘23.

The O’s wanted a starter for Wednesday’s recreation after right-hander Kyle Bradish exited his season debut on Monday with a proper foot contusion, which he sustained when he was hit by a 104 mph liner within the second inning. Tyler Wells, who had been scheduled to start out Tuesday, volunteered to pitch in aid and tossed 5 hitless innings in a 2-0 win over the Rangers.

That brought about a ripple impact inside Baltimore’s rotation, as Kyle Gibson was bumped up from Wednesday to start out Tuesday on common relaxation. The choices for Wednesday turned both a spot begin for lengthy reliever Austin Voth or a callup from the Minor Leagues.