In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Orioles have activated pitcher John Means from the injured list, while placing Grayson Rodriguez on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Means' return to the Orioles' rotation was expected as his rehab assignment reached its maximum of 30 days. However, the decision to make room for Means by placing Rodriguez on the injured list was unexpected.

Speculation had been mounting as to how the Orioles would accommodate Means' return, with questions arising about the future of fellow lefty Cole Irvin or veteran Albert Suárez. However, it was Rodriguez who was sidelined due to lingering soreness, possibly preexisting, after his recent start.

The Orioles will now face the task of deciding which healthy pitcher to remove from the rotation as Kyle Bradish is set to return, possibly as soon as tomorrow. However, that decision can be addressed later.

Rodriguez's placement on the injured list is not the preferred outcome for the Orioles, but it does bring some convenience to the team's roster management. Means had to be activated within 48 hours following the end of his rehab assignment, and he won't be able to pitch until Friday at the earliest.

Had the roster move followed expectations, with either Irvin or Suárez moving to the bullpen and Yohan Ramírez being designated for assignment, the Orioles would have faced a shortage in the bullpen for Wednesday and possibly Thursday. Irvin requires one more day of rest after his Saturday start, and Suárez needs two days of rest after his Sunday start.

The Orioles have yet to announce a starting pitcher for Thursday, leaving open the possibility of Bradish returning and Irvin transitioning into the bullpen. Alternatively, Irvin may still start on Thursday, with Bradish taking the mound on Friday and Means assuming the rotation spot previously held by Rodriguez.

Means' return, along with Rodriguez's strong performance in the second half of the season, was expected to be crucial for the Orioles. However, the status of Rodriguez's health now remains uncertain. While it may be a relief that his condition is diagnosed as shoulder inflammation rather than an elbow issue, shoulder problems can also pose challenges for pitchers. If the injury lingers, the Orioles will have to navigate without him.

Further details from manager Brandon Hyde or GM Mike Elias are anticipated closer to game time on Wednesday.

Means' recent return from Tommy John surgery limited him to just four starts last season, leaving unanswered questions about his recovery. The hopes and expectations for the Orioles lie in seeing Means regain his form from 2021. However, there is the possibility of an innings limit as the team aims to manage his workload effectively.

The Orioles, though, have managed to navigate without the services of Means and Bradish thus far, avoiding any significant setbacks without Means in April. If the decision to delay Means' season start leads to his availability in October, it could be seen as a positive outcome.

As the Orioles move forward, the hopes and aspirations of the organization and its supporters rest on a successful return to form for John Means in the 2024 season. Will he regain his previous dominance or face ongoing challenges? Only time will tell.