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Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias has noted the expectation that Rodriguez will break camp next spring in the rotation. Rodriguez is ready for it. 

“It’s full speed ahead,” he said. “Obviously, we’re focused on the big leagues. Of course, the injury kind of derailed it last year, but moving forward that’s definitely in my focus.”

Rodriguez remains healthy after missing three months of the season, saying he’s “100 percent,” and his offseason training, focusing on strengthening the lat, has been good.

“That’s all you can ask for,” he said.

Rodriguez posted a 2.20 ERA and 0.933 WHIP in 14 starts with Norfolk, striking out 97 batters in 69 2/3 innings. He totaled 75 2/3 innings at three affiliates, compared to 103 in 2021.

The pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season, impacting Rodriguez’s ability to build innings before this year’s lat injury. They came in simulated form at the alternate camp site in Bowie.

“I think there’s a good and a bad to both of it,” he said. “The good is saving innings. Obviously, it was a good little reset for pitchers’ arms. And of course, I guess the bad part is missing out on the experience. So, in terms of health, I think we made it through all right, having a full season in 2021. I mean, really, I guess there was a good and bad to both of them.”

The Orioles must determine a comfortable range of innings for Rodriguez in 2023.

“That’s up to them. That’s something that’s out of my control,” he said.

“There’s a lot of important people that we have that work for the Orioles that get to determine that. If it was up to me, it would be as many as I could throw. So, I’ll figure that out when we get to spring training.”