Orioles: How Felix Hernandez’s Injury Impacts Matt Harvey

As Opening Day approaches, the Orioles have some decisions to make with their starting pitching rotation

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Felix Hernandez made an early exit from his start in the Orioles’ 7-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays last Tuesday, leaving the game after just one inning. Hernandez managed to strikeout first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo and Rays’ 2020 postseason star Randy Arozarena, before leaving with what was later identified as right elbow discomfort.

According to Dan Connolly’s report for The Athletic (subscription required), Orioles manager Brandon Hyde spoke about his decision to remove Hernandez following the game:

"“I thought the velo was the same. He was getting outs. He had a good slider. I just thought the body language was different this time than the last couple times. And you felt like there was something bothering him,” Hyde said. “So, when we approached him after the inning, and he had a little bit of discomfort, I kind of made the decision there (to take) him out of the game at that point. Not risk anything. March 16, Port Charlotte. I wanted to play it safe and not have him push it.”"

With Opening Day next Thursday, anything more than minor discomfort may force the 34-year-old pitcher out of the team’s starting rotation to begin the season, onto the injured list, or even off of the roster entirely. Hernandez is capable of exercising the opt-out attached to his minor league deal with the Orioles this coming Sunday. Veteran pitchers Matt Harvey and Wade LeBlanc have opt-outs available as soon as Wednesday.

As of now, here is RosterResource’s projected starting rotation for the Orioles:

1. John Means (LHP)
2. Dean Kremer (RHP)
3. Keegan Akin (LHP)
4. Jorge Lopez (RHP)
5. Matt Harvey (RHP)

This Spring, Matt Harvey has appeared in three games, allowing six runs on 10 hits and a walk over 10.0 IP. Harvey has allowed a home run in each of his outings, although he has continued to get better each time out. Most recently, Harvey pitched four innings of one-hit ball against the New York Yankees, striking out a pair of hitters during the outing.

The Orioles currently have 39 players on their 40-man roster, meaning they could add Harvey and make him eligible for the Opening Day roster as soon as they choose to. Most teams will seemingly begin the season with a six-man starting rotation as well, meaning the possible addition of Bruce Zimmermann to the rotation would still leave space for Harvey.