Orioles Ace Starter Reflects on Opening Day Nod

Despite his recent success, durability has been an issue for Rogers in his career. Through six seasons, he has started 25 or more games just twice. Rogers has yet to make at least 30 starts in a season. However, he hopes to change that in 2026.

"It's more important I get through the next 30 starts after that," Rogers said. "I'm just trying to be out there every five days."

Injuries ravaged Baltimore's roster in 2025. The Orioles used 16 different starting pitchers and 38 pitchers overall. The constant turnover created instability and fueled the league's 5th-worst team ERA (4.60).

Baltimore is certainly hoping to use fewer pitchers this season. They also hope Rogers continues to give them length. Of his 18 starts last season, the left-hander pitched at least six innings 13 times.

That type of length would certainly be a welcome sight as questions remain in Baltimore's bullpen. The Orioles signed Ryan Helsley this offseason to take over the closer role. But he is coming off a disappointing second half of 2025 with the New York Mets. He posted a 0-3 record with a 7.20 ERA across 22 appearances, walking 11 hitters while striking out 22.

Félix Bautista will likely miss most of the 2026 season with a torn right rotator cuff and labrum. Keegan Akin, Yennier Canó, Dietrich Enns, Rico Garcia, and Tyler Wells fill out Baltimore's bullpen outside of the closer role.

Through his first three spring training starts, Rogers has allowed just two runs over nine innings. He has also recorded nine strikeouts to just one walk. On Saturday against Pittsburgh, he stretched out to 61 pitches, building on his 34-pitch outing from Feb. 25.

That ramp-up should be a sign of things to come as the regular season inches closer.

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