Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without their right-handed starter, Kyle Bradish, for the remainder of the season. Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament. This surgery marks a significant setback for both Bradish and the Orioles as they navigate an already challenging season.
Bradish had initially missed the first month of the 2024 season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. The team opted for a non-surgical approach at first, which provided a temporary solution but ultimately proved insufficient. In the limited time he pitched this season, Bradish managed a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP over 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. These impressive stats were reminiscent of his stellar 2023 season, during which he recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The absence of Bradish leaves the Orioles' rotation in a precarious state. Compounding the issue, John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This series of setbacks could not have come at a worse time for a team with aspirations of repeating their success from the previous year.
As the Orioles' general manager, Mike Elias, surveys the current roster, it is clear that he may need to seek out starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. With Bradish, Means, and Wells sidelined, the team's pitching depth is severely tested. Elias's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial if the Orioles are to overtake the Yankees in the AL East, where they currently trail by 2 ½ games.
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. Their offseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes was a step in the right direction, but the injuries have left the team scrambling to find consistent starting pitching. Despite these challenges, the Orioles have managed a 47-25 record and are well within striking distance of the division lead.
Kyle Bradish's loss is significant not just statistically but also from a morale perspective. His performance and leadership were integral to last year's success, and his absence leaves a void that young, unproven pitchers will need to fill. However, the organization's resilience and depth will be put to the ultimate test as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Decisions in the coming weeks will indeed be pivotal in the season’s trajectory. The Orioles' front office must weigh the value of potential trade acquisitions against long-term sustainability. While the team has demonstrated remarkable resilience, sustaining this level of performance will require strategic moves and perhaps some good fortune on the injury front.
In summary, the Baltimore Orioles face a daunting task ahead. The team’s rotation, already thin with the losses of Means and Wells, now faces another blow with Bradish’s season-ending surgery. Mike Elias and the Orioles’ front office will need to make shrewd decisions to bolster the rotation if they hope to compete for the AL East title. With a strong record and a talented roster, the Orioles have a solid foundation, but the road to another division title will require overcoming significant challenges.