The Baltimore Orioles called up top-ranked pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez on Wednesday in time to make his major league debut against the Texas Rangers.

Rodriguez, 23, was expected to compete for a spot in the Orioles’ Opening Day rotation, but the right-hander struggled to a 7.04 ERA in 15 1/3 innings during spring training. He allowed 14 runs (11 earned) in his final 10 2/3 innings of spring, and was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

In a corresponding move, the Orioles placed right-hander Kyle Bradish on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday. He was struck on the right foot by a line drive on Monday night.

Bradish’s injury threw off the pitching rotation, as Tyler Wells was needed to pitch in relief instead of making his scheduled start Tuesday. Kyle Gibson moved up a day in the rotation to pitch Tuesday, leaving a spot open for Rodriguez to start Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, against Jacob deGrom.

Rodriguez was selected with the 11th overall pick of the 2018 MLB Draft. Across parts of five minor league seasons, he has posted a 25-9 record with a 2.49 ERA in 70 appearances (69 starts).

In his one start with Norfolk this season, he gave up three runs (two earned) in four innings against the Durham Bulls. He struck out two and walked four, his most walks since 2019.

–Field Level Media