Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without 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.
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 that decision proved to be only a temporary solution. Ultimately, surgery became unavoidable to ensure his long-term health and performance.
Before his season-ending surgery, Bradish had posted an impressive 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. This followed a stellar 2023 season in which he recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio over 168 2/3 innings, finishing fourth in the American League Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is in a precarious state. Besides Bradish, the team will also be without John Means and Tyler Wells for the remainder of the 2024 season. Both pitchers are sidelined following their own elbow surgeries. This trio's absence creates a significant void in the Orioles' starting rotation, putting additional pressure on the remaining pitchers and the team's management.
With these critical losses, Orioles’ General Manager Mike Elias may need to explore acquiring starting pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. Such moves could be crucial if the Orioles are to maintain their competitive edge and overtake the Yankees in the AL East.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles aim to replicate their success from 2023 when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. Despite the injuries, the team has managed to remain competitive, sporting a 47-25 record and trailing by just 2 1/2 games in the division.
During the offseason, the Orioles made a significant acquisition by bringing in Corbin Burnes, a move that has undoubtedly helped bolster their rotation. However, the loss of Kyle Bradish is still substantial, both from a statistical standpoint and in terms of team morale. His performance in 2023 and the early part of 2024 had solidified him as a key component of the Orioles' pitching staff.
As the trade deadline looms, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory. The Orioles find themselves at a critical juncture, needing strategic acquisitions to sustain their momentum in the fiercely competitive American League East.