Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a significant setback as they will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament. This surgery comes after a UCL sprain was discovered in February, which caused him to miss the first month of the 2024 season. Initially, a non-surgical approach was chosen, but this proved to be a temporary solution.
Despite the injuries, Bradish's performance when he was on the mound was nothing short of outstanding. He had a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. His efforts in the previous year saw him record a 2.83 ERA and an impressive 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings in 2023. These performances contributed to him finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting last season.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is in a precarious state, with Bradish’s injury compounding existing concerns. Both John Means and Tyler Wells are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season as well, following their own elbow surgeries. This places significant pressure on the Orioles' pitching depth and on the team’s overall performance.
With these key pitchers out, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias is likely to explore the market for starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. Acquiring new talent may prove crucial if the Orioles aim to surpass the New York Yankees in the highly competitive AL East. The next few weeks will be critical for the team's management as they navigate these challenges and make pivotal decisions.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have high ambitions for the season, aiming to replicate their success from 2023 when they won an impressive 101 games and clinched the American League East title. The team's current 47-25 record is strong, yet they find themselves trailing by 2 1/2 games. The absence of Bradish is a significant blow both statistically and from a morale perspective.
To bolster their rotation, the Orioles acquired Corbin Burnes this past offseason. Despite this addition, the injuries have left gaps that need to be addressed. The front office’s decisions in the coming weeks, including potential trades and strategic adjustments, will be instrumental in determining the season's trajectory and the team's bid for the title.
In summary, the Orioles are at a crucial juncture. The team’s resilience in the face of these injuries, along with smart managerial moves, will define their success moving forward. The fans and the organization alike will be watching closely as the Orioles navigate this challenging period. The hope is that the combination of existing talent, strategic acquisitions, and effective rehabilitation will keep their championship aspirations alive.