Despite all of the injuries, Baltimore's rotation has found its groove in September. Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin have anchored a rotation that continues to provide the team a chance to win. The offense has not always capitalized on that opportunity, but that shouldn't diminish the efforts of Burnes and the bunch.

The Orioles still have a rotation capable of winning a World Series. The starters may not possess the talent to single-handedly propel Baltimore across the finish line, but they could still cross it. Whether they have a bullpen capable of hoisting a trophy remains to be seen.

Burnes and Eflin could receive longer leashes, but Brandon Hyde may not allow other starters to face hitters a third time through the lineup. That leaves the bullpen with four or more innings under extreme pressure. Who takes those innings?

Seranthony Domínguez, Yennier Cano and Cionel Pérez currently slot as Baltimore's high-leverage relievers. The team's second-half struggles have created plenty of questions, but bullpen depth remains at the forefront. Again, who takes those innings?

Jacob Webb returned last weekend. Webb slots in with Keegan Akin as a guy that has pitched well enough at times to earn Hyde's trust. Things get dicey after that. Gregory Soto has the stuff, but has he done enough to overcome a brutal start with his new team?

The Orioles missed Danny Coulombe dearly over the last few months. The lefty will make another rehab appearance for Norfolk tonight, and Mike Elias said Coulombe's performance and response will dictate next steps.

There's simply no time to shake off any rust. The bullpen desperately needs the efficiency of Coulombe's 0.615 WHIP. His return would bump Akin down to the third left-handed option and would limit the dependency on untrustworthy arms. Speaking of those...

The Orioles attempted to bridge the gap with Craig Kimbrel as their closer. The veteran received All-Star buzz at the end of the first half, but the wheels fell off in a hurry. Baltimore has repeatedly ruled out a Félix Bautista return in 2024, and it doesn't look like vintage Kimbrel will return in time for the postseason either.

Folks have wondered whether Kimbrel could salvage a spot on the playoff roster, but the Orioles should know that answer by now. Experience doesn't keep the ball in the ballpark or limit stolen bases. Present performance matters. Baltimore has other players capable of mop-up duty should it arise, and Kimbrel allowing a late-inning homer would feel Ubaldoesque in 2024.

Mike Elias admitted yesterday that Grayson Rodriguez is running out of time. He acknowledged that a relief role would require less build up, but reaffirmed that Rodriguez is a starting pitcher. Elias declined to commit to any role for Rodriguez, and that makes sense right now.

Adding a flamethrower to a bullpen in need of a boost is an attractive thought. Unfortunately, it's not clear how Rodriguez would handle the role. If healthy, Rodriguez would likely slot in as Baltimore's third starter. Albert Súarez could return as a multi-inning option on any given night, and Dean Kremer remains a viable rotation piece if the situation demands it.

Cade Povich, like any other rookie, has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. The lefty has flashed plenty of potential, but it's unfair to cast a 24-year-old rookie with control issues into an unfamiliar spot for the playoffs. Regardless of role, a healthy Rodriguez likely bumps Povich off the postseason roster.

As the Orioles have proven over the last few months, you can't win if you don't score. Baltimore watched Texas tear the cover off the ball on its way to a ring last season. The Orioles' template for success requires the offense to fire on all cylinders. If that happens, a core four of Cano, Coulombe, Dominguez and Pérez should be able to get the job done.