Orioles news: Craig Kimbrel's job security, Trevor Rogers meltdown, injury updates

When the Orioles traded for Trevor Rogers, Mike Elias went on MLB Network and told everyone how excited they were to have acquired the lefty from the Marlins. Elias stated that he believed Rogers was one of the best starting pitchers moved at the deadline and that they were thrilled to have traded for him.

Unfortunately, Rogers' first few appearances with the O's have left a lot to be desired. On Tuesday night, Rogers allowed 5 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks with just 2 strikeouts. It was the second time in three starts that he'd allowed 5 runs, and fans are already starting to turn on him.

It's possible that the Orioles can find the right pitch mix for him but the fact that he's sitting 3-4 mph slower with the fastball compared to 2021 is not a good sign. There's time for him to redeem himself but at this rate, he's looking like a major liability.

Closer Craig Kimbrel is on the verge of losing his job

Cardiac Craig Kimbrel is at it again, tormenting Orioles fans and making us question why Elias even signed him in the first place. After a strong first half that resulted in Kimbrel falling just shy of an All Star nod, the O's closer has continued to fall apart since the All Star break.

Kimbrel has a 5.87 ERA in the second half, backed up by a horrific 6.18 FIP. He's walked nearly as many men as he's struck out and his hard hit rate allowed has jumped by 10 percentage points, leading to questions about his job security.

Brandon Hyde has used Seranthony Dominguez in a couple save situations already and called out Kimbrel after the righty's rough day on Sunday, calling him rusty and stating that Kimbrel has to do a better job limiting walks and holding runners.

Kimbrel has to be better down the stretch if the Orioles want to remain competitive. If he's shaky in October, Hyde will have some tough decisions to make.

The Orioles should get a handful of important players back in September

Jorge Mateo remains without a timetable to return, though we do know that he has not needed surgery to repair his elbow. There's hope that he'll return in September but with Jackson Holliday on a blistering pace, Mateo can take his time and recover fully.

Grayson Rodriguez's injury has been described as mild, and it looks like he'll be able to return in September and for the postseason. He's still not throwing but is scheduled for a follow up before the end of August and won't require surgery.

Despite going down with a forearm injury, it looks like Jacob Webb will escape the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Jake Rill of MLB.com reported that Webb will avoid surgery for now and is expected to return before the end of the year.

Danny Coulombe should return before the end of the year as well. He's been out recovering from surgery to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow but received good news last week and he should be available before we get to the postseason.

No news is good news with Jordan Westburg. The All Star remains on track to return to Baltimore in late September. Lastly, Felix Bautista will soon begin throwing off a mound and is expected back in time for spring training next year. He's been ruled out for the entirety of 2024.