Orioles manager gets real on Grayson Rodriguez possible playoff return

A little over a month ago, the Baltimore Orioles looked like the favorite in the American League. Then the injury bug struck, and it hit hard.

Infielders Ryan Mountcastle, Jordan Westburg, and Ramon Urias all hit the shelf. But maybe the biggest blow came to the rotation when Grayson Rodriguez landed on the injured list.

Rodriguez was scratched 10 minutes before the Orioles' Aug. 6 game in Toronto with discomfort in his lat. He was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list.

Orioles manager Mike Elias updated the 24-year-old's status earlier this week, per MLB.com. His comments did not inspire much confidence in his return before the playoffs.

"It’s healing," Elias said Tuesday. "It seems like everything’s moving in the right direction. Obviously, some days move a little faster than others, but it’s been a really steady course progression. That said, time and the calendar is not exactly our friend here."

The right-hander has been throwing bullpen sessions recently but has yet to face live hitters. Only 10 games are remaining in the regular season. That does not leave much time, if any, to make a rehab start before re-joining the rotation.

Elias did not rule out the possibility of Rodriguez working out of the bullpen in October.

Before his injury, Rodriguez was having a strong season for Baltimore. He is 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Cade Povich has mostly taken his spot in the rotation with lackluster results. He is 2-9 with a 5.74 ERA this season.

Knowing the premium on pitching come the postseason, Rodriguez's loss could prove fatal.