Orioles’ Rodriguez throws in bullpen, optimistic about return; Updates on Coulombe, Kremer, Kjerstad

BALTIMORE—Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez threw from the bullpen on Wednesday for the first time since he went on the 15-day injured list on August 3^rd with right lat/teres discomfort.

Rodriguez threw about 20 pitches and isn’t sure when he’ll throw again, but he was happy with the results.

“Arm’s feeling good, and I think right now, that’s the most important thing, just being able to get back on the mound, let it eat a couple of times,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez threw fastballs and offspeed pitches.

“I thought everything felt good, the ball was spinning well,” Rodriguez said. “You obviously want to get out there as fast as you can, but first and foremost is making sure you’re healthy. That way, you can at least make a few more starts ahead of the postseason rather than rush back and set yourself back a little bit further. Right now, everything’s feeling good, just waiting to get back out there.”

Triple-A Norfolk’s season ends on September 22^nd, and the Orioles season ends a week later, so there’s not much time for rehab starts.

“Obviously, it’s hard not to look at the calendar, but at the same time, really not paying too much attention to it. I think everything will work out just fine, especially the way I’m feeling right now. I think that will take care of itself.”

Rodriguez is hoping that relievers Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb, who’s scheduled for another rehab appearance at Double-A Bowie tonight, and infielder Jordan Westburg will be able to help the Orioles as they prepare for the postseason.

“There’s a lot of guys that are close,” Rodriguez said. “I think everybody’s [champing] at the bit to get back out there, and, obviously, you don’t want to be on the IL. The days go by slow, but I think a lot of us are getting close and I think we can really help the team out.

“I don’t think anybody wants to face us, especially when everybody’s back and we’re moving at full gear. I think a lot of guys are confident in that. We’re still playing good baseball. I think we’re just looking ahead.”

Coulombe showing progress

Coulombe is on the 6o-day injured list after June surgery for removal of bone chips from his left elbow and threw between 15-to-20 pitches to batters on Tuesday.

“I felt pretty good. I’m sore in all the right places,” Coulombe said. “I think we’re just going to take it day-by-day, but I’m pretty optimistic. I feel very good today … We’ll just keep progressing and we’ll go from there.”

Coulombe thinks he can pitch before the end of the regular season.

“That’s definitely the goal,” he said. “I think as long as it keeps trending the way it is, absolutely. It’s a day-by-day thing. Surgery is a tricky thing. I’m pretty happy where we’re at.”

Manager Brandon Hyde is optimistic about Rodriguez and Coulombe.

“They’re both right on track and progressing,” he said. “Hopefully, we get them back.”

Hyde is excited about the prospect of several injured players rejoining the team.

“Absolutely, this is a talented team already,” he said. “You add some really good players to that. We’re just excited to get it going and where everything takes us.”

Still undecided on Kremer

Hyde said that he’s not sure whether starter Dean Kremer will be ready to pitch this weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays.

“He threw a side this afternoon,” he said. “We’re going to continue to monitor him, see how the wrist and hand respond tomorrow, see how it feels. Still unsure if he’s going to make that start or what we’re going to do.”

Kremer was hit in the right forearm by a line drive at Colorado on Saturday night. The Orioles have not announced any starters for the series, which begins Friday night.

Note: Heston Kjerstad, who’s on the 10-injured list with a concussion, has been cleared by Major League Baseball to resume full baseball activities. “You’ll see him in games, minor league action, sometime pretty soon,” Hyde said.