Injuries and Rehabilitation
Baltimore Orioles right-handed starter Kyle Bradish is set to miss the remainder of the season following a recent Tommy John surgery. The procedure not only repaired his damaged ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) but also included the installation of an internal brace to provide additional support.
This latest setback for Bradish comes after he missed the first month of the 2024 season due to a UCL sprain that was discovered in February. Initially, a non-surgical approach was attempted, but it proved to be only a temporary solution. Despite these challenges, Bradish had an impressive 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP over 39 1/3 innings across eight starts this season.
Last season, Bradish made significant strides, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings. His stellar performance earned him a fourth-place finish in the American League Cy Young voting in 2023, underscoring his value to the Orioles' rotation.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is currently in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish, left-hander John Means and right-hander Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season after undergoing their own elbow surgeries. This series of injuries has left the team in a challenging position as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the AL East.
With three key starters sidelined, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias may need to actively seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. These moves could prove crucial if the Orioles hope to overtake the Yankees in the fiercely competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
Despite the setbacks, the Orioles remain focused on repeating their success from 2023, when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. This past offseason, the Orioles bolstered their rotation by acquiring Corbin Burnes, a move that was seen as a significant boost to their pitching depth.
Currently, the Orioles hold a 47-25 record and are trailing the Yankees by just 2 1/2 games. The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant not only from a statistical standpoint but also from a morale perspective. His absence leaves a considerable void in the rotation, and how the Orioles address this gap could determine their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
In the coming weeks, the decisions made by the Orioles’ front office will be pivotal. Whether through trades or internal promotions, the team’s ability to shore up their rotation will be key to maintaining their push for another division title. As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles will need to weigh their options carefully to ensure they can sustain their momentum and continue to challenge at the top of the AL East standings.
The importance of these moves cannot be overstated. With the Yankees' stronghold at the top of the division, any misstep could find the Orioles falling behind. Conversely, the right acquisitions could provide the spark needed to propel them forward in their pursuit of another title.
Kyle Bradish's injury is undoubtedly a significant blow, but the Orioles have shown resilience before. The coming weeks will test their depth and their determination as they navigate this critical juncture of the season. The eyes of the baseball world will be on Baltimore as they look to overcome these challenges and make a strong push towards October. Whether they can replicate their 2023 magic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—every decision made now could shape the destiny of their 2024 campaign.