The Baltimore Orioles' current ace is Zach Eflin. However, interim manager Tony Mansolino eagerly awaits the return of Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish to his starting rotation. Both pitchers have yet to make their 2025 debuts thanks to injuries. Rodriguez continues to recover from a lat strain while Bradish is sidelined with an elbow problem. However, Rodriguez gave an update on his status that has fans hopeful, even if they don't know when he will return.

The 25-year-old was one of the best pitchers in the American League before he got hurt. According to Baltimore Suns writer Matt Weyrich, Rodriguez said that he might be throwing on the mound as soon as next week. After a setback prevented the Orioles starter from following his recovery schedule, he is finally back on the mound.

Despite the good news that the elbow injury that initially sidelined him has fully healed, Rodriguez gave a broad window for his return. He and Bradish hope to pitch sometime after the All-Star break. However, they could not get more specific than that.

Mansolino, Eflin, and the rest of the Orioles hope they come back sooner rather than later. After a terrible start to their season, Baltimore remains at the bottom of the AL East. Skubal shut down Baltimore's offense on Thursday, but the team is slowly making its way back into the playoff picture.

Article Continues Below
More Baltimore Orioles News
Baltimore Orioles catcher Gary Sanchez (99) during spring training workouts at Ed Smith Stadium.
Orioles receive surprising update on Gary Sanchez injuryZachary Howell ·
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) turns a double play on Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) in the sixth inning at Chase Field.
MLB rumors: Orioles, Diamondbacks predicted as trade deadline ‘headliners’Christopher Hennessy ·
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) reacts following a strikeout against the Seattle Mariners to end the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park.
Orioles get ‘hopeful’ Grayson Rodriguez injury updateZachary Howell ·
Baltimore Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino looks on during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
Orioles rumors: Baltimore urged to explore ‘buy-sell’ trade deadline tacticBenedetto Vitale ·
image thumbnail
Tigers hit milestone for 1st time since 2013 with win over OriolesBrayden Haena ·
Baltimore Orioles right fielder Tyler O'Neill (9) doubles in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Latest Orioles injury updates come with ‘small percentage’ twistZachary Howell ·

While Mansolino's offense has returned to their normal level, his rotation has become the biggest weakness on the team. Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Charlie Morton have had their moments. Unfortunately, the talent facing them in the postseason makes the absence of Rodriguez and Bradish all the more painful.

Rodriguez's journey back to the major leagues has been a long one. Lat strains have become a major problem for the ace, but with his potential return closer than ever, fans are optimistic.

Mansolino has Baltimore on the road back to contention. Getting his pitchers back would be a big step in the right direction. The biggest worry for the Orioles is being close enough in the standings by the time they return.

At this point in the season, the AL East crown is almost out of the question. Despite that, Baltimore has a chance to make up ground and find its way into the AL wild card picture. Rodriguez and Bradish will play big roles in the second half of the season if they can come back and have the impact fans expected at the beginning of the season.