Rodriguez bothered by soreness in right triceps (O'Neill scratched)

SARASOTA, Fla. – The latest dip in velocity from Grayson Rodriguez apparently stems from a physical issue.

Rodriguez is bothered by soreness in his right triceps, according to manager Brandon Hyde. He was evaluated today and the Orioles should have more information on Friday.

Asked if there’s a base level of concern anytime a pitcher admits to soreness, Hyde said, “Sure. I’m concerned every day right now with everybody.”

Standing outside the visiting clubhouse yesterday at Hammond Stadium, Rodriguez told the media that he felt “pretty sluggish” and couldn’t get behind the ball and spin it how he wanted. He threw 30 pitches against the Twins, 20 for strikes, and allowed one run and three hits with a walk, strikeout and hit batter over 1 1/3 innings.

The radar gun provided numbers that drew most of the attention and concern. Rodriguez’s four-seam fastball averaged 93.2 mph, topping out at 95.3 on Ryan Jeffers’ strikeout in the first. Christian Vazquez led off the second with a double into left-center field on an 89.5 mph fastball.

The velocities on the curveball, changeup and slider also dropped, but Rodriguez said that was the intent.

“Still not going out there trying to throw it 95, 100 percent,” he said.

“Obviously, coming up we’re going to start letting it eat, but right now, yeah, just trying to make sure that I’m under control, making sure that we’re working on getting the scap (scapula) loaded and stuff. Just trying to sync everything up together. Obviously today, I wasn’t worried about velo.”

How much should the Orioles worry about Rodriguez?

They see him as a staff ace if he can stay healthy, but he went on the injured list twice last season with shoulder inflammation and another lat/teres strain that kept him off the Wild Card roster. Yesterday’s outing is the latest setback, which the club hopes will be brief.

“He just wasn’t feeling real up to himself,” Hyde said. “and today he feels a little triceps soreness.”

Dean Kremer went on the IL last May with a strained right triceps and missed six weeks.

A prolonged absence from Rodriguez likely would prevent him from breaking camp with the team and possibly create a spot for left-hander Cade Povich, who’s tossed five scoreless innings with one hit and seven strikeouts. Albert Suárez would be the other candidate to start, but he could stay in the bullpen with Povich impressing.

Let them fight it out.

Hyde said shortstop Gunnar Henderson continues to show improvement after leaving last Thursday’s game with right side discomfort that’s now diagnosed as a mild intercostal strain.

“Right now, he’s getting rest and treatment,” Hyde said.

Reliever Andrew Kittredge underwent an MRI on his sore left knee and could be a candidate for the injured list.

“We’re continuing to discuss treatment options,” Hyde said. “Again with him, too, more information tomorrow.”

At least Jordan Westburg has returned to the lineup. He's past the lower-back discomfort that prevented him from playing, and he's at second base tonight.

“Westy’s feeling great,” Hyde said. “Give him a couple at-bats tonight and get his ramp going.”

Non-roster pitcher Raúl Alcantara is throwing on the back fields and should make his spring debut within the next few days.

Today’s bullpen includes Rodolfo Martinez. I listed Levi Stoudt, Dylan Coleman, Luis Gonzalez, Matt Bowman and Kade Strowd in the lineup entry.

Kremer starts Friday night against the Tigers in Lakeland, Charlie Morton starts Saturday afternoon against the Rays, and Tomoyuki Sugano starts Sunday’s split-squad game against the Twins in Sarasota.

* Tyler O'Neill has been scratched from the lineup with left rib cage soreness. Colton Cowser is playing left field and batting in O'Neill's spot.