Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. The young pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This is a significant blow for the Orioles, given Bradish's impact on the field and his promising career trajectory.
The injury troubles for Bradish began earlier in the year. After a UCL sprain was discovered in February, Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season. Initially, a non-surgical approach was opted for, providing a temporary solution. However, as the season progressed, it became clear that a more permanent fix was necessary, leading to the surgical intervention.
Despite his shortened season, Bradish had demonstrated strong performance on the mound. He posted a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP over 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. In 2023, Bradish had an excellent season, recording a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings. His outstanding performance even earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting in 2023.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is now 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 following their own elbow surgeries. These setbacks have left the Orioles' pitching staff significantly weakened and necessitate immediate attention.
With the trade deadline approaching, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias may need to seek out starting pitchers to bolster the rotation. The team’s ability to secure additional arms will be crucial if they aim to keep pace with and eventually overtake the New York Yankees in the AL East standings.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have their sights set on repeating their success from 2023, when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. The offseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes was a significant move in this direction, and he has been instrumental in the team’s charge thus far.
Currently, the Orioles boast a 47-25 record, trailing the Yankees by just 2 1/2 games. The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His contributions to the team have been invaluable, and his absence creates a substantial gap in the pitching lineup.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the season’s trajectory. The Orioles must determine whether to rely on internal options to fill the void or to make strategic moves in the trade market to strengthen their rotation.
Ultimately, the success of the Orioles' season may hinge on their ability to navigate these challenges and maintain their competitive edge. The road ahead is undoubtedly tough, but with strategic management and key acquisitions, the Orioles can still aim for the ultimate prize—another AL East title and a deep postseason run.