Baltimore Orioles provide important injury updates on Grayson Rodriguez and four others

The Baltimore Orioles limped to the finish line of the 2024 season, finishing second in the American League East and being swept in the wild-card round of the American League playoffs.

While not an excuse, part of the reason for the O’s disappointing finish had to stem from injuries, which they dealt with throughout the year.

On Friday we received clarity about a number of those injuries. First, from Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner:

Orioles GM Mike Elias said right-hander Grayson Rodriguez will get full spring training. Colton Cowser’s hand surgery went well. Jorge Mateo may not be quite ready for spring training, but a full 162-game season is expected to close

The 24-year-old Rodriguez is seen as a potential front-line prospect, and he certainly showed his qualities in 2024. After 20 starts, Rodriguez went 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA. He struckout 130 batters in 116.2 innings. If Corbin Burnes leaves in free agency, he will be an even bigger part of the rotation in 2025.

The 24-year-old Cowser broke his hand in the last game of the season. He also put together a stellar campaign, hitting .242 with 24 home runs and 69 RBI. He is a finalist for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Mateo is one of the more valuable utility players in the American League, known for his great speed. He stole 13 bases for Baltimore and played with a .229 average.

Finally, there were also updates on Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish. Both pitchers are expected back around mid-season.

Bradish made just eight starts in 2024, going 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA. He won twelve matches Baltimore back in the 2023 season. He had a 2.83 ERA that year and will also play a big role in the rotation.

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