Red Sox Rival Shuts Down Promising Pitcher With Elbow Soreness

The Boston Red Sox are just under two weeks away from Major League Baseball’s trade deadline and are expected to be buyers, according to recent comments from Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

While Breslow and the rest of the team’s baseball operations department work the phones and attempt to upgrade the Red Sox’s roster for a potential playoff run, the division rival Baltimore Orioles are rumored to be ready to sell at the deadline after a 43-52 start finds them in last place in the American League East division.

The Orioles announced on Friday that talented 25-year-old right-hander Grayson Rodriguez has been shut down from his throwing program due to elbow soreness. Placed on the 60-day injured list in April, Rodriguez has yet to make a start this season after going 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 20 starts a year ago.

Rodriguez’s grim injury status could further compel the Orioles to wave the white flag on the 2025 season and shift the team’s focus to returning to contention next year. It’s been previously reported that Baltimore is willing to listen to offers on All-Star first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, outfielder Cedric Mullins, starting pitcher Charlie Morton and closer Félix Bautista.

The Red Sox have previously been connected to O’Hearn following the season-ending injury to first baseman Triston Casas in May. While the Red Sox have received a nice offensive boost from the platoon of Abraham Toro and Romy González in Casas’ extended absence, it’s widely believed the team will be active in their search for upgrades at first base leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.