Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season following a significant setback. Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This procedure marks a crucial juncture in Bradish's career, who had already missed the first month of the 2024 season due to a UCL sprain discovered in February.
The Orioles initially opted for a non-surgical approach to address Bradish's UCL issues, hoping to manage the sprain without invasive intervention. However, this turned out to be a temporary solution. In his brief time on the mound this season, Bradish was impressive, boasting a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP across 39 1/3 innings in eight starts. This performance was a continuation of his stellar 2023 season, where he recorded a 2.83 ERA and an impressive 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
With Bradish sidelined, the Orioles' rotation finds itself in a precarious state. The team is also grappling with the absence of starters John Means and Tyler Wells, both of whom are expected to miss the rest of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. These injuries place significant pressure on the Orioles' pitching depth and capabilities.
Given these challenges, it is expected that Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias will need to seek out starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. Strengthening the rotation may be crucial if the Orioles are to surpass the Yankees in the highly competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles have clear ambitions to replicate their success from 2023, a breakthrough year in which they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. The team bolstered their roster by acquiring Corbin Burnes this past offseason, a move that further underlined their commitment to competing at the highest level.
As of now, the Orioles hold a 47-25 record, placing them just 2 1/2 games behind the division-leading Yankees. Despite their current success, the loss of Kyle Bradish is a significant blow, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His absence not only weakens the rotation but also affects the team's overall confidence and depth.
Looking Forward
The decisions made in the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the Orioles' trajectory for the remainder of the season. Securing reliable starting pitching through trades or other means can provide the needed stability and boost to overcome their current challenges.
In summary, while the Orioles are well-positioned in the standings, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Addressing the rotation's depth and finding suitable replacements for their injured stars will be essential if they are to maintain their momentum and contend for the division title once again. The coming weeks will reveal much about the Orioles' resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.