Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles have suffered a significant blow as they 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.
Earlier in the year, Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. Initially, the team opted for a non-surgical approach to address the issue, hoping it would be a viable solution. Unfortunately, this turned out to be only a temporary fix.
Before the surgery, Bradish had made a noteworthy impact on the mound. He maintained a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP across 39 1/3 innings in eight starts. His performance in the previous season was also commendable, as he recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings in 2023. This stellar showing earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting last year.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is currently in a precarious state. In addition to losing Bradish, both John Means and Tyler Wells are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to their own elbow surgeries. This trio of setbacks has left the Orioles’ pitching staff in need of reinforcement.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias may need to look outside the organization for new starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. These moves could be crucial if the Orioles hope to overtake the Yankees in the highly competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have their sights set on repeating their success from 2023, a season in which they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. As part of their efforts to bolster the team, the Orioles acquired pitcher Corbin Burnes during the past offseason.
Despite the injuries, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid record of 47-25, trailing the Yankees by just 2 1/2 games. The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His absence adds pressure on the rest of the pitching staff and could necessitate strategic decisions by the front office in the weeks to come.
With the season's trajectory potentially hinging on these upcoming decisions, the Orioles' management will need to carefully assess their options to mitigate the impact of these injuries. The pursuit of a second consecutive division title is still within reach, but it will require astute maneuvering and perhaps some bold moves in the trade market.
As the Orioles navigate these challenges, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how the team adapts. The resilience and resourcefulness they display in addressing these setbacks will play a crucial role in shaping the remainder of their season.