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, a procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament.
Bradish's injury woes began when he was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in February, causing him to miss the first month of the 2024 season. Initially, the team opted for a non-surgical approach as a temporary solution. Unfortunately, this didn't hold up, leading to his eventual surgery.
Bradish's absence will be deeply felt by the Orioles. Before his surgery, he boasted a 2.75 ERA and an impressive 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. His performance in the previous season was nothing short of stellar as well, with a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings. His remarkable 2023 season earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles' rotation is currently in a precarious state. In addition to Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. The trio’s absence places a significant strain on the team’s pitching depth, presenting a severe challenge for the Orioles as they navigate the remainder of the season.
With these key pitchers sidelined, Orioles' general manager Mike Elias may need to seek out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. Acquiring new talent will be essential if the Orioles aim to contend in the ultra-competitive AL East and potentially overtake their rival, the New York Yankees.
Aim for the Title
Despite the setbacks, the Orioles are focused on repeating their success from the 2023 season. They won 101 games last year and captured the American League East title, demonstrating their capacity to compete at the highest level. Their aggressive offseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes underscores their commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber team.
As of now, the Orioles hold a 47-25 record, trailing the Yankees by only 2 1/2 games. The loss of Kyle Bradish is significant, both statistically and from a morale perspective. His contributions on the mound and his leadership in the clubhouse will be sorely missed.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the Orioles' trajectory for the rest of the season. Bringing in experienced arms through trades may be the lifeline they need to stay in contention and make another deep postseason run.
In conclusion, while the Orioles find themselves facing a series of substantial challenges, their resolve and strategic decisions will define their ability to overcome adversity. The team's depth will be tested, and the front office's ability to react swiftly and effectively could be the difference between another title run and a season of disappointing what-ifs. The resilience of the Orioles will be under the microscope as they endeavor to navigate these turbulent times and chase their ultimate goal: another American League East title and beyond.