Bradish update, Rodriguez's first home opener, and today's Orioles lineup

Kyle Bradish is playing catch today to test a right foot and ankle that he said is showing “a lot of improvement.”

Bradish was nailed by a Jonah Heim line drive in the second inning of Monday night’s game in Texas. He’s on the 15-day injured list with a contusion on his foot after X-rays and further testing didn’t reveal a fracture.

“I have no doubt,” Bradish said when asked if he could return when eligible. “If it was a 10-day IL, I’d still be ready for that one, too. So, barring any setbacks, and I don’t believe we’ll have any, yeah, I’ll be ready.”

Bradish said he hadn’t discussed with the club whether he could jog down the orange carpet for introductions in the home opener.

“I’m going to see how it feels when I go out and play catch,” he said. “I would like to, but we’ll see.”

Grayson Rodriguez had no idea that he’d be introduced at Camden Yards today, his major league debut coming earlier than anticipated with Bradish on the IL.

Rodriguez started Wednesday afternoon in his home state and followed a two-run first with four scoreless innings, retiring 13 of the last 15 batters.

“Definitely a good surprise to be here,” he said this morning. “Kind of being disappointed leaving spring training, not having a good spring, going down to Norfolk, and really just kind of getting focused. I think it actually helped me. So, being able to throw that last game in Texas, it’s pretty special that it was there, and then obviously pulling up to Camden Yards today was pretty cool. Seeing this place from afar and going to the games and then actually coming here to work today was pretty cool.”

Finding his locker in the home clubhouse was just another part of the journey.

“Man, it was like something different every step,” he said. “Just kind of seeing everything and feeling like this is the real deal.”

Rodriguez’s next turn is Tuesday night against the Athletics and he’s expected to make the start.

“Obviously, it’s up to them,” he said, “but right now we’re going to get prepared for Tuesday.”

The club has added a Grayson Rodriguez “Welcome to the Show” T-shirt promotion for Tuesday night, for the first 10,000 fans 15 and over.

“That would be pretty special,” he said, “so I guess if there’s a giveaway, hopefully, they give me the ball that day.”

Gunnar Henderson is serving as the designated hitter today in his first home Opening Day with the Orioles. Ramón Urías is the third baseman and Adam Frazier is playing second base.

Austin Hays is batting eighth and playing left field.

Adley Rutschman is catching Dean Kremer.

For the Orioles
Cedric Mullins CF
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Gunnar Henderson DH
Ramón Urías 3B
Adam Frazier 2B
Austin Hays LF
Jorge Mateo SS

Dean Kremer RHP