Injuries and Rehabilitation Impact Orioles’ Season
The Baltimore Orioles will be without key right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the rest of the season. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, which includes the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament. This serious injury first emerged as a UCL sprain discovered in February, which led to Bradish missing the first month of the 2024 season.
Initially, the team had opted for a non-surgical approach, hoping that it would be enough to get Bradish back on the mound. However, this proved to be a temporary solution. Bradish's performances prior to his injury were nothing short of stellar; he boasted a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts this season. His 2023 season numbers were equally impressive, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is currently in a precarious state with multiple key players sidelined. John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This leaves the team significantly weakened and in urgent need of reinforcement.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias faces a critical decision-making period. With the trade deadline approaching, Elias may need to seek out new starting pitchers to stabilize the rotation. Making these crucial moves is essential for the Orioles if they are to stand any chance of overtaking the formidable Yankees in the AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles are aiming to replicate their success from the 2023 season when they won an impressive 101 games and captured the American League East title. The acquisition of Corbin Burnes this past offseason was a strategic move aimed at bolstering their pitching lineup.
Currently, the Orioles have a 47-25 record and are trailing the Yankees by 2 1/2 games. The loss of Kyle Bradish is not only significant in statistical terms but also from a morale perspective. His absence adds considerable pressure on the remaining starters and the bullpen to perform at an even higher level to compensate for his loss.
The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory for the Orioles. Decisions made in this critical period could either solidify their pursuit of the title or set them back significantly. For now, the focus remains on navigating through these challenges while keeping an eye on potential trade opportunities that could provide the necessary boost to their rotation.
Losing Bradish’s consistency and talent is undeniably a setback, but how the Orioles respond to this adversity will be crucial. Baseball seasons are marathons, and the ability to adapt and overcome injuries separates the good teams from the great ones. Orioles fans hope that 2024 will still shine brightly despite these dark clouds.