Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without their right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament. This marks a significant blow to the Orioles, as Bradish had established himself as an essential part of their rotation.
Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. Initially, a non-surgical approach was opted for to manage his injury, but it ultimately proved to be a temporary solution. Bradish's performance prior to the surgery was commendable, boasting a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings spread across eight starts. In 2023, he recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is currently in a precarious state. Besides Bradish's season-ending surgery, both John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This has left the Orioles in a challenging position where boosting the rotation has become a necessity.
Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias faces the onerous task of seeking out starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. Acquiring talented arms may be crucial if the Orioles aim to overtake the New York Yankees in the AL East. With the absence of key pitchers, the depth of the rotation is under intense scrutiny, and any potential move will be essential to stabilize the team's pitching capabilities.
Aim for the Title
Despite the growing injury list, the Orioles are resolute in their aim to replicate their 2023 success when they won 101 games and secured the American League East title. This past offseason, the Orioles managed to acquire Corbin Burnes in an effort to bolster their rotation. As of now, they hold a commendable 47-25 record but find themselves trailing by 2 1/2 games.
Kyle Bradish's loss resonates deeply, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His presence on the mound provided a sense of reliability, and his effective pitching was a vital component in the Orioles' competitive edge. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their season. Decisions made by the front office will need to be astute and timely, ensuring that solutions are found to mitigate the impact of these injuries.
The Orioles are facing a moment of truth. The remainder of 2024 will test their resilience and ability to adapt to the challenges posed by high-profile injuries. Eyes will be on the management's moves leading up to the trade deadline and how they navigate this tumultuous period. Repeating the success of last year will demand strategic acumen and perhaps a bit of fortune, but the Orioles' spirit and determination remain unwavering.