It’s been almost two months since Grayson Rodriguez toed the runner for the Orioles. Command issues forced the young right-hander back to Triple-A Norfolk to work out his issues.
Then the call was made, and the 23-year-old Rodriguez was set to return to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in front of the Birdland faithful at beautiful Camden Yards.
Rodriguez would take the mound on a hot and humid night. The temperature was 80° with the temp on the field hitting above 90°. The heat was there, but it was Rodriguez who came out throwing it.
An 18-pitch first inning, which included a hit and strikeout, saw Rodriguez throw six pitches at 100 mph or greater. This was a different Rodriguez than Birdland last saw. In his 10 starts prior to his demotion, Rodriguez threw no pitches over 100 mph.
“The velo is something we’ve been working on, something that has been with me the last couple starts in Norfolk. And that’s something we’re going to try to keep in our pocket.”
– Grayson Rodriguez on his tick in velocity
Through five innings, the young phenom had the Dodger bats fooled and off balance. He would allow six hits through five innings, strike out four and walk two as he threw 91 pitches (59 strikes) before departing.
Unfortunately, in the sixth, only the second time Rodriguez made it through five innings would be the downfall.
A leadoff triple by Freddie Freeman would be the turning point in the game. Aaron Hicks would misplay the deep fly ball, which led to the triple. Otherwise, there would have been one out.
A single and a walk would follow and leave the Birds ahead 4-2 when Rodriguez was replaced by Bryan Baker, who would follow with a walk to load the bases and then promptly give up a grand slam, adding two more runs to Rodriguez’s final line.
Rodriguez would finish with four earned runs in five innings, but this was a different pitcher than the one sent down in May. There was confidence, attacking the zone, and despite some questionable defense, Rodriguez put the Orioles in a position to win the game.
The Orioles dropped the game 6-4, ending their eight-game winning streak. Though Rodriguez didn’t factor in the decision, he did his job and looked comfortable doing it.
If Rodriguez continues to pitch with confidence and attack batters like he did against the Dodgers, he will be a major factor in the Orioles’ race to the postseason and division title run.
Grab your gas cans. Grayson Rodriguez is back, and he’s bringing the heat.
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