Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles received a significant blow as they will be without one of their standout right-handed starters, 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.
Bradish's injury woes began earlier this year when a UCL sprain was discovered in February, causing him to miss the first month of the 2024 season. Initially, the team opted for a non-surgical approach, but it turned out to be a temporary solution as the injury resurfaced, necessitating the surgery.
Bradish had been a bright spot in the Orioles' rotation, posting an impressive 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. His performance metrics reflect his impact on the mound, including a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings in 2023. His stellar play saw him finish fourth in the AL Cy Young voting that year.
Current State of the Rotation
With Bradish out, the Orioles’ rotation finds itself in a precarious state. The team is already grappling with the absence of two other key pitchers, John Means and Tyler Wells, who are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries.
The cumulative loss of Bradish, Means, and Wells puts immense pressure on the Orioles’ rotation. General manager Mike Elias may be forced to seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline to fortify the team's rotation. These moves could be crucial if the Orioles hope to overtake the New York Yankees in the highly competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have their sights set on repeating the success of their 2023 season when they won an impressive 101 games and captured the American League East title. This offseason, they made a significant acquisition in securing Corbin Burnes, which shows their commitment to maintaining their competitive edge.
Currently, the Orioles boast a strong 47-25 record but are trailing the Yankees by 2 1/2 games. The loss of Bradish is not only significant from a statistical standpoint but also from a morale perspective. His absence leaves a palpable void that the team must strive to fill if they wish to remain contenders.
In the coming weeks, the Orioles' decisions regarding roster moves will be pivotal. The right acquisitions could help them weather the storm of injuries and keep their championship aspirations alive. It will be interesting to see how the front office navigates this challenging period and whether the Orioles can continue their push towards another successful season.