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 is a significant blow to the team, affecting both their rotation depth and morale.
Bradish’s journey through the 2024 season has been tumultuous. He missed the first month of the season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. Initially, a non-surgical approach was chosen as a temporary solution. However, it became evident that surgery was necessary for his full rehabilitation.
Bradish was in fine form before his injury, boasting a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. This followed an impressive 2023 season where he posted a 2.83 ERA and achieved a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, finishing fourth in the American League Cy Young voting. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Orioles as they push through the remainder of the season.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is in a precarious state, with other key players also sidelined. John Means and Tyler Wells are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This leaves Baltimore with a significant gap to fill in their pitching staff.
Given these challenges, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias may need to seek out new starting pitchers before the trade deadline. These moves will be crucial if the Orioles are to maintain competitiveness and have any hope of overtaking the Yankees in the AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles aim to replicate their success from 2023 when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. Despite the current setbacks, the team remains focused on this goal.
The offseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes was a strategic move to bolster the rotation. As of now, the Orioles have a 47-25 record and are trailing by just 2 1/2 games. However, the loss of Kyle Bradish is significant both statistically and from a morale perspective. Every decision made in the coming weeks will be pivotal to the team’s trajectory this season.
Overall, the Orioles find themselves at a crossroads. With key players out of commission, the team's resolve and strategic planning will be tested. It remains to be seen how they will navigate these challenges, but one thing is certain—the next few weeks will be crucial for their hopes of securing another AL East title.