Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This comes as a significant blow to the team, given Bradish’s performance and potential within the rotation.
Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season due to a UCL sprain discovered in February. Initially, the team opted for a non-surgical approach, but this proved to be only a temporary solution. As the season progressed, it became clear that surgery was inevitable.
Despite these setbacks, Bradish demonstrated his skill on the mound when he did play, maintaining a 2.75 ERA and 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. His performance in 2023 was also noteworthy, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings. Bradish's efforts even earned him a fourth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting in 2023.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is currently in a precarious state. Alongside Bradish, both John Means and Tyler Wells are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This leaves significant gaps in the team’s pitching staff, which could have serious implications for the Orioles' season as they approach the mid-year point.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias is now faced with the critical task of seeking out starting pitchers, particularly as the trade deadline looms. With a rotation hit hard by injuries, these moves may be essential for the Orioles to maintain their competitive edge in the AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles are aiming to repeat their success from 2023 when they impressively won 101 games and captured the American League East title. This past offseason, the team made strategic moves, including the acquisition of pitcher Corbin Burnes, to bolster their chances of retaining the title.
Despite these efforts, the team finds itself trailing the Yankees by 2 1/2 games, with a current record of 47-25. The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team navigates the challenges of the remaining season.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the Orioles’ season. The front office will need to evaluate potential trades and roster adjustments carefully. Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness while ensuring the team’s future stability.
Ultimately, the Orioles face a critical juncture as they navigate through these injuries. The resilience of the team, combined with strategic moves by the management, will play a significant role in whether they can overcome these challenges and make another strong push towards the playoffs.