Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This 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, but it proved to be a temporary solution.
Bradish was having an impressive season before his surgery. He posted a 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 remarkable 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings. Bradish's outstanding performance in 2023 earned him fourth place in the AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation finds itself in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish, both John Means and Tyler Wells are expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This leaves the Orioles with significant gaps to fill in their starting rotation.
Orioles' general manager, Mike Elias, may need to seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. Moves made in the coming weeks could be crucial if the Orioles hope to overtake the Yankees in the AL East. The team currently has a solid 47-25 record but trails the Yankees by 2 1/2 games. Bradish's loss is significant both statistically and from a morale perspective, making these decisions pivotal for the season’s trajectory.
Aim for the Title
The Orioles aim to repeat their success from 2023 when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. The acquisition of pitcher Corbin Burnes this past offseason was a step toward that goal, but the recent injuries have thrown a wrench into their plans.
With a standout record and still within striking distance of the division lead, the Orioles remain focused on their objective. However, the path ahead will require navigational finesse from Elias and the rest of the team's decision-makers. They need to bolster the rotation and ensure that the offense continues to perform at a high level.
In conclusion, the Orioles face a challenging but not insurmountable task. The loss of Kyle Bradish is undoubtedly a significant blow, but with strategic moves and a little bit of luck, Baltimore can still navigate these turbulent waters. The coming weeks will be crucial not only for the Orioles but for the entire American League East race. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team makes necessary adjustments in their quest for another division title.