Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles are grappling with a significant blow to their pitching staff as they will be without right-handed starter 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. This surgery marks a decisive turn from the initial non-surgical approach taken after a UCL sprain was discovered in February, which led Bradish to miss the first month of the 2024 season.
Bradish’s performance before his surgery was promising. Over 39 1/3 innings across eight starts, he boasted a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP. In the previous season, 2023, Bradish had a 2.83 ERA and an impressive 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting. His absence is not only a statistical loss but also a significant morale hit for the team.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is now in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish, both John Means and Tyler Wells are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This trio of absences significantly weakens the rotation and elevates the urgency for Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias to seek out starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches.
With the Orioles aiming to repeat their success from 2023 when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title, moves to shore up the rotation are essential. The Orioles’ quest to overtake the Yankees in the AL East now hinges significantly on the decisions made in the coming weeks.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have had a strong start to the season with a 47-25 record, trailing by just 2 1/2 games. This promising start underscores the importance of addressing the rotation's current weaknesses. The acquisition of Corbin Burnes this past offseason demonstrated the Orioles' commitment to strengthening their roster in pursuit of another AL East title.
However, the loss of Kyle Bradish is significant. His performance in 2023, where he finished high in Cy Young voting, and his solid start to 2024 before the surgery, highlight what the team will miss in terms of pitching prowess. Thus, securing reliable replacements in the rotation is paramount to maintaining their competitive edge in the division.
Ultimately, the decisions made by the Orioles in the coming weeks will be pivotal in defining the trajectory of their season. Whether through trades or other strategic moves, bolstering the pitching staff could determine if they can effectively challenge the Yankees and sustain their early-season success. The goal remains clear: to replicate the winning formula from 2023 and make another strong push for the title.