Orioles pregame notes on Rodriguez's MRI, Kittredge's speedy recovery, Hays' return to Baltimore and more

The only update today on Orioles starter Grayson Rodriguez is that he’s seeking other opinions after undergoing an MRI on his sore right shoulder.

Rodriguez’s bullpen session was canceled and he had imaging done yesterday after waking up this week with the discomfort. He’s on the injured list with inflammation in his elbow/triceps.

“We got the results back,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We’re gonna get some opinions on it, so there’s really nothing to report at this time. We’re gathering information from second opinions from other doctors and we’ll have more to give you sometime next week when all that stuff comes back.”

Brandon Young will fill a hole in the rotation on Saturday in his major league debut. He replaces Zach Eflin, who’s on the injured list with a right lat strain.

Young, the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020. The draft was shortened to five rounds because of the pandemic.

“You never know what you’re going to get with someone’s major league debut,” Hyde said. “He’s had a couple good appearances down in Norfolk and hopefully he’s able to calm the nerves down and give us a good start tomorrow afternoon.”

Young, 26, will be the second Orioles rookie to make his debut this season after starter Tomoyuki Sugano, who signed out of Japan at age 35.

Reliever Andrew Kittredge shaved his beard to blend with teammates who are sporting mustaches. More important is how good he’s looking and feeling in his recovery from left knee surgery.

A throwing progression has advanced to bullpen sessions, with live batting practice next on the agenda.

“It’s going really well,” Kittredge said. "Knee feels great. We’re kind of in the getting-ready-to-get-in-games stage. Everything at this point has gone really, really well, probably better than expected. Just excited to get back out there when I do.

“I think the next major thing is probably facing some hitters. Been off the mound a couple times now, so we’re just building up. It’s kind of my spring training 2.0, so to speak.”

Kittredge signed a $10 million contract after posting a 2.80 ERA in 74 games with the Cardinals. He was shut down after one exhibition appearance and a failed attempt to warm up before another outing. Early speculation had him missing most or all of the first half, but he’s ahead of schedule.

“I’ve been excited this whole time, knowing that it wasn’t going to be a real long stint like Tommy John was,” he said. “I just kind of stayed excited. I was excited coming into the season and that really hasn’t changed.”

The goal is a return in late May, which seemed improbable back in spring training after surgery to repair cartilage. Dr. Leanne Curl handled the procedure in Baltimore.

“I think that is fair,” he said. “I think some of it is a little bit, remains to be seen what it’s like once I’m actually in games on a rehab assignment as far as where the pitches are at. You can only tell so much in a bullpen. But everything to this point has gone really well. I really like where my arm’s at, too, on top of that.

“I think it’s definitely reasonable to say it could happen before the end of May. I’m definitely shooting for that. I would hope it's as soon as it can be. But I definitely want to be ready before I get back activated. I don’t want to do it just because I’m excited to be back and jump the gun a little bit.”

Asked to explain the speedy recovery, Kittredge could only speculate and express his appreciation to the Orioles.

“I wish I could tell you,” he said. “I think Dr. Curl did a really good job with the surgery. I just want to give her a shout out. I’m doing what I’m told as far as our (physical therapist) Kyle (Corrick) and strength staff and everything. I’m just following orders and it’s just responded really well. I haven’t really dealt with any discomfort or anything like that as far as the knee goes, so really like where I’m at.”

Austin Hays is back at Camden Yards for the first time since the Orioles traded him to the Phillies at the deadline for reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. He’s in left field and batting cleanup.

The timing worked out nicely for Hays, who was reinstated from the Reds’ injured list and went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs on Tuesday. Tonight marks his fourth game.

“I actually was focused on trying to get back,” he said. “(Wife) Sam said, ‘Oh yeah, we booked our flights for Baltimore.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, when is that?’ And realized it was right after I got back. I didn’t know until about a week ago.”

Hays, who homered again yesterday, came onto the field early to visit with former teammates.

“Obviously feels like a home game,” he said. “It was a little weird coming down the tunnel and passing the clubhouse coming over to this side, but it’s good to be back in the stadium.

“I don’t think we really ended things on like bad terms or anything like that. I really did enjoy all the times that I had here and I’m happy to come back here.”

Every former Oriole is asked about the new left field dimensions, especially the right-handed hitters who watched fly balls die on the track.

“I wish it would have been there the last three years,” Hays said, laughing. “Looks good, though. I won’t have to run quite as far when I’m out there.”

Hyde called Hays “one of my favorites.”

“Great guy when he was here,” Hyde said. "Really enjoyed our time together here, so I’m looking forward to seeing him out there.

“The way he played, hair on fire all the time. Wanted to play, loved to play, played hurt as much as anybody who’s been here since I’ve been here. Played with a cracked rib at one point. Just a baseball player.

“I just loved how he went about his business. I thought he was an unbelievable professional, a great teammate. Loved to win. It was great to see him be part of the group that turned the corner. Go through lean years and then be a big part of turning this thing around. Had a lot of special moments with him.”

The Reds put left-hander Nick Lodolo on the paternity list today. He was supposed to start Sunday.

The Orioles will face right-hander Carson Spiers (0-2, 4.82 ERA).