Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season after he underwent Tommy John surgery. This procedure, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament, marks a significant moment in Bradish's career and leaves a void in the Orioles' rotation.
Bradish's injury woes began 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 this proved to be only a temporary solution. As the season progressed, it became clear that surgery was necessary to ensure his long-term health and performance on the mound.
Statistics reveal just how impactful Bradish has been for the Orioles. In the 39 1/3 innings he pitched across eight starts this season, Bradish had a stellar 2.75 ERA and an impressive 2.48 FIP. Reflecting on his 2023 performance, Bradish recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings. His exceptional season earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting, underscoring his importance to the team's success.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is currently in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish, the team will be without John Means and Tyler Wells for the remainder of the 2024 season after both underwent their own elbow surgeries. This leaves the Orioles' pitching staff significantly weakened and places added pressure on the remaining starters to deliver.
With these key pitchers sidelined, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias may need to seek out reinforcements leading up to the trade deadline. Acquiring starting pitchers could prove to be a crucial move if the Orioles are to overtake the New York Yankees in the highly competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles remain focused on their goal of repeating their success from 2023, when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. This past offseason, the team made a significant acquisition by bringing in Corbin Burnes, aiming to bolster their rotation and maintain their competitive edge.
So far, the Orioles have managed to compile 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 in terms of team morale. His absence will be felt deeply, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory.
Outlook
As the Orioles navigate these challenging times, the front office must carefully evaluate their options and make strategic moves to reinforce their pitching staff. The road to repeating as AL East champions will not be easy, but with a blend of talent, determination, and timely acquisitions, the Orioles can still aspire to achieve their goals.
The upcoming weeks will be critical for the Orioles as they seek to stay competitive in the AL East and make a push for the postseason. The decisions made by general manager Mike Elias and the performance of the remaining roster will ultimately determine the outcome of their 2024 campaign.
While the loss of Bradish, Means, and Wells is undoubtedly a blow to the team's rotation, the Orioles have shown resilience in the past and have the capability to adapt and overcome adversity. Fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds, hopeful that their team can rise to the challenge and continue to strive for excellence on the diamond.