Rodriguez and Kittredge appear headed to the injured list by Opening Day

LAKELAND, Fla. – The latest injury updates from the Orioles apparently will keep starter Grayson Rodriguez and reliever Andrew Kittredge away from the Opening Day roster.

A drama-free camp has spun in a bad direction.

Manager Brandon Hyde said the discomfort in Rodriguez’s right arm is located in the back of the elbow, describing it as the point where it connects to the triceps. The Orioles will seek multiple opinions, but their projected No. 1 or 2 starter isn’t going to build up the necessary innings to break camp with the team.

The regular season begins March 27 in Toronto. Rodriguez has made only two exhibition starts totaling three innings.

“It’s not a ligament issue, so we’re not concerned about that, but it’s going to result in some missed time,” Hyde said. “As we get more information, we’ll share it with you, but right now he’s still getting opinions.

“He’s going to miss some time. We’re getting results, we’re talking to multiple people about what the treatment, et cetera is as of right now. The timeline, we’re not sure on it, but it’s not the ligament.”

Veteran Zach Eflin appears to be a lock now to pitch on Opening Day. Rodriguez was his main challenger, though experience and track record might have won out anyway.

Rodriguez went on the injured list twice last summer, with inflammation his right shoulder and a lat/teres strain that sidelined him for the Wild Card Series. He also had a lat/teres strain in 2022 while on the verge of his first promotion to the majors.

A noticeable drop in velocity across the board this spring led to injury questions in Fort Myers, but Rodriguez said that he felt “sluggish” and couldn’t get behind the ball to generate the necessary spin. One of his four-seamers was clocked at 89.5 mph.

The creation of a hole in the rotation now pits Albert Suárez against left-hander Cade Povich. Suárez made 24 starts last season and pitched eight times out of the bullpen, and he was projected to serve in a relief role. Hyde referred to Suárez recently as the sixth starter, but Povich has tossed five scoreless innings with one hit and seven strikeouts.

Povich logged four innings yesterday on one of the back fields.

“Povich is throwing really good right now, really well,” Hyde said. “I love the way he ended the season and he’s pitching with a lot of confidence right now.”

The Orioles have talked up their depth, which could cover for these injuries. Hyde referred trade acquisition and roster construction questions to executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias.

“I do know that Mike is constantly looking to upgrade our team,” Hyde said.

“It’s unfortunate with Grayson, we’re hoping for the best, but we’re gonna need more than five starters all year. We used 13 last year, I think. So we’re gonna need guys to step up. We definitely have experience in the rotation right now and that’s important.”

Reliever Andrew Kittredge will undergo arthroscopic surgery on the cartilage in his left knee, keeping him shut down after only one appearance.

“He’s probably going to miss a few months,” Hyde said.

The Orioles signed Kittredge, who turns 35 this month, to a one-year deal in January guaranteeing $10 million. He made a career-high 74 appearances with the Cardinals last season and posted a 2.80 ERA in 70 2/3 innings.

The plan was for Kittredge to work in a setup role and also provide coverage at closer with Félix Bautista eased back into the role.

Hyde also said nothing has changed with shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who’s receiving treatment for a mild strain of his right intercostal. He hasn’t played since Feb. 27, which also jeopardizes his status for the beginning of the season.

Liván Soto is starting tonight at shortstop, but Hyde indicated that Jackson Holliday will take some ground balls at the position and could make a start. Jordan Westburg also is a possibility.

Outfielder Tyler O’Neill was scratched from last night’s lineup with soreness in his left rib cage.

“O’Neill’s better today,” Hyde said. “I’m hoping in the next couple days.”

Jorge Mateo, recovering from elbow surgery, is hitting in the cage as part of his progression and working out in the field. However, he’s expected to go on the injured list

“I think the best-case scenario is we’re able to get him in games toward the end of camp,” Hyde said. “We’ll see where he is.”