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. This significant medical intervention comes after a year of trying to navigate his injury through non-surgical means.
The trouble began back in February when Bradish was diagnosed with a UCL sprain, causing him to miss the first month of the 2024 season. At that time, a non-surgical approach was opted for, which initially seemed like a viable, albeit temporary, solution. However, as the season progressed, it became evident that more drastic measures were necessary.
Prior to his surgery, Bradish made a notable impact on the mound, showcasing a stellar performance with a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts for the 2024 season. His 2023 performance was equally impressive, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, which earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting. His absence will be felt both statistically and from a morale perspective as the Orioles navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key pitchers.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is currently in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish’s season-ending surgery, John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to their own elbow surgeries. The loss of these key players has left a significant void in the Orioles' pitching lineup.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias now faces a critical decision-making period leading up to the trade deadline. Acquiring starting pitchers may prove to be a crucial move if the Orioles hope to overtake the Yankees in the highly competitive AL East. The injuries have put the team in a difficult position, emphasizing the need for strategic acquisitions to bolster the rotation.
Aim for the Title
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles remain focused on their goal of repeating their success from the previous year. In 2023, the team won 101 games and captured the American League East title, a remarkable achievement that they are eager to replicate. This past offseason, the Orioles acquired Corbin Burnes, a move that reinforced their commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
As of now, the Orioles hold a 47-25 record and are trailing by just 2 1/2 games in the standings. While Kyle Bradish’s loss is significant, the team’s resilience and depth will be tested in the coming weeks. The decisions made leading up to the trade deadline will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the season.
The Orioles are no strangers to overcoming adversity, and with a strong team dynamic and strategic moves from the front office, they can navigate this challenging period. The path to the title will require careful planning and execution, but the Orioles have shown that they are capable of rising to the occasion.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Orioles address their current rotation issues and what moves they make to stay competitive in the race for the AL East title. The loss of key pitchers is undeniably a setback, but with a steadfast focus on their ultimate goal and the right acquisitions, the Orioles have the potential to turn the tide in their favor and continue their pursuit of excellence.