X-Rays Negative For Orioles' Bradish

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish left Monday's start against the Texas Rangers early after taking a 104 mile per hour line drive off the lower right leg. The ball was hit by Rangers catcher Jonah Heim. The X-rays were negative for Bradish, who has a right foot contusion.

Orioles right-handed starting pitcher Kyle Bradish took a 104 mile per hour line drive off the lower right leg on Monday night against the Texas Rangers. The ball was hit by Rangers catcher Jonah Heim. 

Bradish left his start in the bottom of the bottom of the second inning and was taken for X-rays, which came back negative.

Kyle Bradish's preliminary x-rays were negative for a fracture, the Orioles say. He left the game with a right foot contusion and will undergo further testing

— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) April 4, 2023

Orioles reporter Andy Kostka says that he has a right foot contusion and will undergo further testing.

We aren't sure yet what this means for Bradish going forward but we know that it changes the complexion of this series for the Orioles. Lefty Tyler Wells came in in relief later in the game. He was supposed to start Game 2 of the series on Tuesday. As of this posting, he had thrown 3.0 innings. 

Bradish, 26, made his major league debut last season for the Orioles, going 4-7 with a 4.90 ERA. He struck out 111 batters in 117.2 innings.

If Bradish is to miss a start or have to land on the injured list, the Orioles could turn to top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez, who is currently at AAA. Rodriguez was taken out of the Texas high school ranks with the No. 11 pick in the 2018 draft.

The 6'5 righthander went 6-2 in the minor leagues in 2022 and pitched to a 2.62 ERA. He's made one start this year at AAA, pitching four innings and striking out two. He did walk four batters in that start for Norfolk.

The Orioles could also turn to Spenser Watkins, who pitched in 23 games last year. Bruce Zimmermann pitched in 15 games last year and is another option.