Grayson Rodriguez, the promising starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to tricep soreness. Manager Brandon Hyde noted that it's still uncertain if Rodriguez will need to start the season on the injured list or simply be delayed by a few days. This news adds to the Orioles' woes as they also lost key players Corbin Burnes and John Means from their rotation during the offseason. The O's are counting on Rodriguez, who has the potential to be a frontline starter, especially after a solid performance in 2024 with a 3.86 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 116.2 innings. However, injuries limited him during the playoff run, and with Kyle Bradish also missing significant time post-elbow surgery, the rotation depth is a concern. Despite losing slugger Anthony Santander to free agency, the Orioles bolstered their roster with new signings, including Tyler O'Neill and veteran pitchers Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton, while they hope to see the return of Felix Bautista after missing last season.

Corbin Burnes continues to build momentum this Spring Training, having completed his third start against the Chicago Cubs. The Arizona Diamondbacks expect him to make a total of six starts before the regular season begins. Burnes, now halfway through his preparation, emphasizes that he judges his performances by how his body feels and the effectiveness of his pitches, rather than the raw numbers he posts against various competitors.

In his last outing, he pitched 2.1 innings, striking out two but allowing one run on two hits. Focused on developing his breaking balls, particularly the curveball, he was pleased with their performance, though his sinker and cutter did not meet his expectations. Burnes’ velocity is notably impressive, reaching up to 96.9 mph with his sinker, attributed largely to adjustments made with new pitching coach Brian Kaplan.

Burnes also highlighted the importance of establishing rapport with his catchers, including Adrian Del Castillo, who caught him for the first time this Spring. This dynamic is crucial for a successful season, and Burnes is committed to honing these relationships. Off the field, Burnes engaged with teammates by arranging a taco truck lunch, further fostering team camaraderie. As the Diamondbacks look to compete in October, Burnes is perceived as a vital leader, embodying both professionalism and a strong commitment to the team's success.

Entering the 2025 season, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates stands as a strong contender for the NL Cy Young Award, following a remarkable rookie year where he posted an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. MLB.com’s Will Leitch highlights Skenes as the favorite, suggesting he could outdo his impressive first season. Other contenders include Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, who faces pressure to capture his first Cy Young, and Corbin Burnes from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Skenes' historical achievements, including record strikeouts for a Pirates rookie, position him as a defining talent in the league.

If Skenes improves upon his rookie performance, he may also enter the MVP conversation, especially if the Pirates aim for their first playoff appearance since 2015. His trajectory suggests the beginning of an era where he could redefine pitching excellence in the National League.

With spring training in full swing, Major League Baseball's 2025 season is on the horizon, prompting teams to finalize their Opening Day starters. This year's line-up is expected to feature some familiar and new faces as teams evaluate their rosters ahead of the season's commencement. Many franchises are looking at changes due to injuries or trades, with notable pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Tarik Skubal, and Yusei Kikuchi highlighted for their likely starting roles. Each team’s Opening Day starter carries significance for fantasy leagues, as these pitchers could set the tone for their seasons.

For instance, the Arizona Diamondbacks may lean towards Corbin Burnes, reflecting a critical offseason acquisition for the team. The Atlanta Braves will likely hand the ball to Chris Sale, aiming to replicate his prior success. In contrast, the Chicago Cubs will see Shota Imanaga making his debut Opening Day start in Japan. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees seem poised to feature Gerrit Cole, while the Philadelphia Phillies will again trust Zack Wheeler, who’s coming off a stellar previous year. As teams make their announcements, tracking these decisions can offer crucial insights for fantasy leagues and betting markets.

The Baltimore Orioles are entering the season with a revamped pitching staff, following the departure of ace Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a hefty six-year deal. Instead of investing in another frontline starter, the Orioles opted for depth, signing veterans Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, while banking on young arms like Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin to step up. This strategy has sparked debate over whether their rotation can compete against strong divisional foes like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

While the Orioles have assembled a deep rotation, consisting of right-handed pitchers and lacking a true ace, questions loom over their ability to face elite lineups in the American League. Insiders suggest that pursuing a trade for an established pitcher, such as Michael King from the San Diego Padres, could bolster their chances significantly. King has shown tremendous growth with a sub-3.00 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 2024, making him an intriguing option for a team looking to solidify its pitching ranks.