BALTIMORE — In the midst of the Orioles’ rebuilding phase, the potential for triumphant moments like the one on Monday provided a sense of redemption. Grayson Rodriguez, a rookie right-handed pitcher, who had long been anticipated as Baltimore’s future ace, lived up to the hype. His six innings of dominance against the Chicago White Sox were complemented by Adley Rutschman’s expert catching and Gunnar Henderson’s solid play at shortstop. These two 2019 draftees also played a significant role in sparking an offensive rally. DL Hall, who preceded Rodriguez as the Orioles’ first-round draft pick and followed him as the organization’s top pitching prospect, was among the trio of relievers who secured a resounding 9-0 victory over Chicago, solidifying Baltimore’s second consecutive winning season.
This group of players has carried the Orioles’ hopes throughout a rebuilding period marked by several seasons of lackluster performance, where they endured one of the league’s poorest records for four consecutive years. However, since the arrival of Rutschman in May 2022, the Orioles (82-49) have managed to avoid being swept, extending an impressive streak of 82 consecutive multi-game series without a loss, which was extended with Monday’s remarkable win. Both Henderson and Hall joined Rutschman in their quest for a playoff spot last year, falling just short of achieving that goal.
Rodriguez’s potential impact was temporarily hindered by a right lat muscle strain, sidelining him for three months. Although his major league debut was delayed until 2023, the early part of his career was marked by inconsistency. In his first ten starts, the 23-year-old struggled with a 7.35 ERA, particularly due to the vulnerability of his fastball. However, a return to Triple-A allowed Rodriguez to rediscover his form. He entered this year as one of the sport’s most promising pitching prospects, and his performance since rejoining the Baltimore team has validated this status. His six scoreless innings on Monday included minimal hits and walks from a Chicago lineup that entered the day with the lowest on-base percentage in the league. Over eight starts since returning to the majors, Rodriguez boasts a commendable 2.83 ERA, and opponents are batting just .199 against him.
During Monday’s game, Rodriguez’s four-seam fastball consistently exceeded 99 mph, a remarkable improvement from his previous stint in the majors where the pitch was often exploited by hitters. He cruised through the Chicago order in the first three innings, securing 11 consecutive outs before allowing Luis Robert Jr.’s deep double. Only a sixth-inning walk marred an otherwise perfect start.
Following Rodriguez’s stellar performance, Jacob Webb and Shintaro Fujinami combined for scoreless innings, while Hall added 1 1/3 shutout innings in his second relief appearance since his recall. Earlier in the year, Hall struggled with reduced velocity, necessitating a period of strength-building at the Orioles’ Sarasota, Florida complex. However, his velocity rebounded, positioning him as a crucial reliever for Baltimore in the latter part of the season for the second year in a row.
Although the Orioles missed an opportunity to support Rodriguez in the second inning, they capitalized on subsequent chances. Rutschman’s single in the third, along with Anthony Santander’s run, was followed by Ryan O’Hearn’s bases-loaded single. In the next inning, after Ryan McKenna’s walk and stolen base, Rutschman’s deep flyball advanced him to third. Henderson then initiated a two-out rally with a single, and he eventually scored on an RBI hit from Ryan Mountcastle.
The Orioles secured a decisive victory in the ninth inning with a two-run single from McKenna and a three-run homer from Santander, the latter coming on the 11th pitch of his at-bat.
Additional Notes:
• The status of All-Star closer Félix Bautista’s ulnar collateral ligament injury remains uncertain. Bautista briefly appeared in the Orioles’ clubhouse before Monday’s game, but he was not available for comment.
• Outfielder Aaron Hicks, recovering from a low back strain, participated in on-field batting practice. Manager Hyde indicated that Hicks is making progress and nearing a return to full baseball activities.
• Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members, were present at Monday’s game. They met with Manager Hyde and other Orioles staff members during batting practice. Joan Jett, who spent time in the broadcast booth, attended school in Montgomery County and is an Orioles fan.