Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. Bradish, a key figure in the Orioles' rotation, underwent Tommy John surgery, a critical procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament.
Bradish initially missed the first month of the 2024 season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. The team tried a non-surgical approach, which proved to be only a temporary solution. Despite the attempt to manage the injury conservatively, surgery became inevitable for the promising pitcher.
Before his season was cut short, Bradish posted a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. In 2023, Bradish dazzled with a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, earning him a fourth-place finish in American League Cy Young voting. His 2023 performance underscored his importance to the Orioles' pitching staff and highlighted why his absence will be felt deeply.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is in a precarious state, exacerbated by multiple injuries. Alongside Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This trio's absence presents a significant challenge for the Orioles as they navigate a highly competitive American League East.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias now faces the pressing task of shoring up the starting rotation. With the trade deadline approaching, Elias may need to seek out additional starting pitchers to bolster the depleted staff. These moves could prove crucial if the Orioles are to overtake the Yankees in the AL East and maintain their ambitions for the season.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles aim to replicate their success from 2023, a season in which they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. In preparation for another competitive run, the Orioles acquired Corbin Burnes this past offseason, adding a formidable arm to their rotation. Despite the mounting injuries, the Orioles have managed an impressive 47-25 record, trailing the Yankees by just 2 1/2 games.
The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant, both statistically and from a morale perspective. Bradish's performances had been a steadying presence for the Orioles, and his absence creates a void that the team will need to fill to stay competitive. How the Orioles navigate the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory.
Decisions in the coming weeks will not only shape the Orioles' fate this season but also influence the future direction of the organization. The ability of the front office to make astute acquisitions and the resilience of the current roster will be tested in the face of these adversities.
Every game will matter as the Orioles strive to maintain their position as a top contender in the AL East. The injury to Bradish, along with Means and Wells, puts more pressure on the remaining healthy pitchers to perform and for new acquisitions to integrate seamlessly into the team’s dynamics. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Elias's moves and the team’s performance in the critical weeks ahead.