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Baltimore Orioles Prospect Grayson Rodriguez Dominant In Return

ByJason Belschner|
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: The Baltimore Orioles announce their first round draft pick Grayson Rodriguez to the fans during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Red Sox won 6-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: The Baltimore Orioles announce their first round draft pick Grayson Rodriguez to the fans during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Red Sox won 6-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Orioles prospect Grayson Rodriguez continues dominant AAA season.

Orioles top prospect Grayson Rodriguez took the mound for the Norfolk Tides Friday night as they took on the Charlotte Knights. It marks Rodriguez’s first game back with the AAA affiliate since an injury forced him out of the game on June 1.
It was a resounding success as Grayson Rodriguez picked up his sixth win for Norfolk this season. He pitched five scoreless innings allowing two hits, one walk, and striking out four. His season ERA improved to an outstanding 1.92.

With this promising outing, there is still an opportunity for the MLB Pipeline’s top-rated prospect to make it to the majors this season. Unless there is a massive setback, it is obvious that he will be in the Orioles starting rotation next season. Getting a few innings under his belt before his official rookie season might help build a little experience for a dominant debut season.

Norfolk picks up the shutout win

The Norfolk Tides won 9-0 with Beau Sulser and Nick Vespi finishing out the shutout. The three pitchers held the Knights to only three hits. Vespi continued his dominance in the International League by not allowing an earned run this season in 25.2 innings pitched. He recently was sent back down to Norfolk after spending the past few months in Baltimore.

Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles Jordan Westburg (95) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports
Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles Jordan Westburg (95) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports

Shortstop Jordan Westburg also put together a great game, to say the least. Westburg went 5 for 5 with a home run and knocking in three runs. The 80th ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline is hitting .274 with 17 home runs in Norfolk. It was his 26th home run in the minors this season.

The youth movement for the Baltimore Orioles continues to look strong. With players like Rodriguez, Westburg, and Vespi waiting in AAA for their own roster spots, it is just a matter of time before the Baltimore Orioles are competing for the World Series and not just the last wild card spot.

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