Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season, a significant blow to their pitching depth. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This marks an end to an otherwise promising season for the pitcher, who initially sought a non-surgical approach after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. Despite these efforts, surgery became inevitable.
Bradish started the 2024 season on the injured list, missing the first month as he recovered from his UCL sprain. Unfortunately, the non-surgical approach proved to be a temporary solution. Before being sidelined again, Bradish demonstrated his potential with a 2.75 ERA and a remarkable 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. His stats for the previous season were equally impressive; he posted a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, a performance that earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting in 2023.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation finds itself in a precarious state with the loss of Bradish. The team is also missing key starters John Means and Tyler Wells, both of whom are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This series of injuries places significant pressure on Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias to bolster the starting rotation as the trade deadline approaches.
The Orioles’ rotation depth will be crucial if they hope to overcome the Yankees in the AL East standings. Acquiring new talent may be necessary not just for regular-season success but also for postseason competitiveness. If Elias can make the right moves, it could spell the difference between a playoff miss and a legitimate title challenge.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles aim to replicate their success from 2023, a season in which they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. Despite their current setbacks, they are still in contention with a 47-25 record, trailing the division-leading Yankees by just 2 1/2 games. Their acquisition of Corbin Burnes this past offseason showcases the team’s ambition to build a formidable pitching staff. However, the loss of Bradish is both a statistical and morale hit that they will need to overcome.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Orioles’ season trajectory. Decisions made leading up to the trade deadline could either bolster their rotation or leave them vulnerable. Every move, scouting decision, and negotiation will be pivotal as they strive to maintain their competitive edge.
While the Orioles have a recent history of success and a solid season record to date, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Injuries have tested their resilience, but the organization’s commitment to fighting for the top spot in the AL East remains unwavering. The determination to make impactful decisions in the face of adversity will no doubt define their 2024 campaign.
All eyes will be on Mike Elias and the Orioles' front office as the trade deadline approaches. The weight of every choice will be magnified as they look to secure the pieces necessary to sustain their pursuit of another division title and beyond. The health of their players, the acquisition of new talent, and the overall management of the roster will be critical factors in their journey.