Injuries and Rehabilitation: Kyle Bradish's Absence
The Baltimore Orioles will be without their right-handed starter, Kyle Bradish, for the remainder of the season. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This significant development comes after Bradish missed the first month of the 2024 season due to a UCL sprain discovered in February. Initially, a non-surgical approach was taken to address the problem, but it proved to be only a temporary solution.
Bradish's performance before the surgery was noteworthy; he posted a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts in the 2024 season. His impressive run extends back to 2023, where he recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings. It is worth mentioning that Bradish finished fourth in the AL Cy Young voting in 2023, highlighting his importance to the team's success.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is now in a precarious state. In addition to Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This spate of injuries has left the Orioles' pitching staff severely depleted, posing significant challenges for the team moving forward.
Mike Elias, the Orioles’ general manager, may need to seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. Making decisive moves could be crucial if the Orioles are to maintain their competitive edge and challenge the New York Yankees in the AL East. The team's rotation is in dire need of reinforcement, and Elias's decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal for the season’s trajectory.
Aiming for the Title
The Orioles aim to replicate their success from the 2023 season, during which they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. This past offseason, the team acquired Corbin Burnes, a move intended to bolster their pitching staff. Despite the injuries, the Orioles have managed to achieve a 47-25 record so far and are trailing the Yankees by just 2 1/2 games.
However, the loss of Kyle Bradish is significant both statistically and from a morale perspective. Having been one of the team's standout performers, his absence puts additional pressure on the remaining pitchers and could affect the overall team performance. The Orioles must find ways to compensate for this loss and maintain their momentum as they push towards the postseason.
As the trade deadline approaches, the decisions made by Mike Elias and the Orioles' management will be critical. The team must navigate these challenges wisely to stay in contention for the AL East title and ensure they have the depth and talent needed to compete in the playoffs. The coming weeks will test the resilience and adaptability of the Orioles as they strive to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of excellence.