Grayson Rodriguez injury could pave way for Orioles to pursue this free agent starter

Earlier this week, the Orioles were forced to place starter Grayson Rodriguez on the 15-day IL with a lat strain. Thankfully, team doctors were able to confirm that the strain is mild and suggested that Rodriguez wouldn't require surgery or an extended absence from the team.

However, his injury opens up a spot in an already tested rotation. Corbin Burnes has had the number one spot locked down all year and new addition Zach Eflin looks like he'll be firmly in the running to start playoff games for the Orioles this fall.

Outside of that group, Trevor Rogers and Dean Kremer have flaws and have not pitched well enough to inspire confidence from the fanbase. Kremer pitched well in 2022, posting a 3.23 ERA in 21 starts. His ERA has risen each of the past two years though, and currently sits at a paltry 4.39, while his 4.81 FIP doesn't suggest things will get better.

For now, Albert Suarez has taken Rodriguez's spot in the rotation but Suarez pitched poorly enough in June and July that he lost his job and was shifted to a bullpen role. With Cade Povich struggling and Chayce McDermott on the IL in Norfolk, the Orioles might need to take a look at external options to help get through the stretch run.

Rich Hill could be the left handed starter that the Orioles need

According to MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided, Rich Hill is scheduled to throw for several interested teams at a complex in his home state of Massachusetts later this morning. Murray has connected both the Yankees and Dodgers to the aging lefty, and Hill has been outspoken about his willingness to return to Los Angeles if given the opportunity.

Though he took the first half of the 2024 season off to spend time with his family and coach his son's little league team, Hill should be able to step in and immediately provide innings for whichever team signs him. He pitched for both the Pirates and Padres in 2023, though it was far and away his worst season in over a decade.

There are certainly risks with Hill, given that he's now 44 years old, but he's been both good and reliable for a considerable amount of time. Hill might not be a perfect fit in Baltimore and he probably isn't a realistic option to start games in the postseason, but that type of starter just isn't available now that we're past the trade deadline.

Mike Elias might see it differently but Hill could theoretically come in and eat enough innings to allow Brandon Hyde to shift Suarez back into a bullpen role. Or he could even use Hill and Suarez in tandem, playing matchups while easing some of the burden on the bullpen.

Hill wouldn't be a flashy addition but he could prove to be useful. Assuming Rodriguez will be out for at least the month of August, it might make sense for the O's to take a chance on Hill and see if he can help.