Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season, as he recently underwent Tommy John surgery. The procedure included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This decision comes after Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season due to a UCL sprain discovered in February. The team initially opted for a non-surgical approach as a temporary solution, but it ultimately proved insufficient.
Before his injury this season, Bradish had demonstrated excellent form with a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. His performance in the 2023 season was equally commendable, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 168 2/3 innings. His efforts earned him a fourth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting that year.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is now in a precarious state, compounded by the absences of John Means and Tyler Wells. Both pitchers are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This situation presents a significant challenge for the team as they strive to maintain their competitive edge.
Orioles General Manager Mike Elias may need to seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. These moves could be crucial if the Orioles are to overtake the Yankees in the AL East. The necessity for reinforcements is amplified by the high aspirations the team holds, particularly after a successful 2023 season.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles aim to replicate their success from 2023, a season in which they won 101 games and clinched the American League East title. During the past offseason, the Orioles acquired ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to strengthen their rotation. Despite the challenges with injuries, the team's performance has been commendable, boasting a 47-25 record and trailing by only 2 1/2 games in the standings.
The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant, not only from a statistical standpoint but also from a morale perspective. His contributions on the mound will be sorely missed. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory for the Orioles. The team's management needs to act decisively to ensure that their aspirations for another title are not derailed by the current setbacks.