Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a daunting challenge as they 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. This development comes after Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season due to a UCL sprain that was discovered in February. Initially, the team opted for a non-surgical approach, but it proved to be only a temporary solution.
The loss of Bradish is significant from both statistical and morale perspectives. In the limited 39 1/3 innings across eight starts this season, Bradish posted a commendable 2.75 ERA and an impressive 2.48 FIP. Last year, he had an outstanding season, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings. His performance was so stellar that he finished fourth in the AL Cy Young voting in 2023.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is now in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish, the team will also be without John Means and Tyler Wells for the remainder of the 2024 season due to their own elbow surgeries. This leaves a significant gap in the Orioles' pitching staff, putting more pressure on the team’s remaining pitchers to step up. Given these circumstances, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias may need to seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. Such moves could be crucial if the Orioles are to overtake the New York Yankees in the highly competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles are aiming to repeat their success from the 2023 season when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. Despite the current setbacks, the team has made strategic moves, including the acquisition of Corbin Burnes this past offseason, to bolster their roster. The Orioles currently boast a strong 47-25 record, trailing by just 2 1/2 games. However, the loss of Bradish adds a layer of complexity to their quest for dominance.
Kyle Bradish's absence will be felt deeply both on and off the field. His contributions this season have been nothing short of remarkable, and his performance last year cemented him as one of the key players in the Orioles’ lineup. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Orioles navigate these turbulent waters, with hopes that the team can pull together and continue their pursuit of another AL East title.