Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without their 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 significant procedure means that Bradish will be on the road to recovery for an extended period.
Bradish initially missed the first month of the 2024 season after being diagnosed with a UCL sprain in February. The team initially opted for a non-surgical approach, hoping that rest and rehabilitation would allow him to return to the mound. Unfortunately, this temporary solution didn’t hold up, leading to the decision for surgery.
Before his injury, Bradish was enjoying a stellar season, boasting a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. These impressive numbers were reflective of his strong performance in 2023, where he finished the season with a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, ultimately earning a fourth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The loss of Bradish is a significant blow to the Orioles' rotation, which is already in a precarious state. John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This cascade of injuries leaves the Orioles in a challenging position as they navigate the remaining months of the season.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias now faces the critical task of seeking out starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. Adding reinforcements could be essential if the Orioles hope to overtake the New York Yankees in the fiercely competitive AL East. With the current state of their rotation, every move will be scrutinized as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have set their sights high for the 2024 season, aiming to replicate their success from 2023 when they won an impressive 101 games and captured the American League East title. Their ambitions were clear in the offseason when they acquired ace Corbin Burnes, strengthening their pitching staff. As of now, the Orioles have a commendable 47-25 record but trail the Yankees by 2 1/2 games.
Losing Kyle Bradish is significant, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His contributions on the mound were crucial, and his absence will be felt throughout the team. However, the front office’s decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the Orioles’ season. If they can navigate these challenges and make strategic moves, the team still has a chance to contend for the title and replicate the success of the previous year.
In summary, the Orioles face a tough road ahead with the loss of key pitchers like Bradish, Means, and Wells. However, the resilience and strategic acumen of their management will be put to the test as they aim to stay competitive in the AL East. The upcoming weeks will be critical, and fans will be watching closely as the team works to overcome these hurdles and strive for another successful season.