Injuries and Rehabilitation
The Baltimore Orioles will be without one of their key right-handed starters, Kyle Bradish, for the remainder of the season. Bradish recently underwent Tommy John surgery, a significant procedure that included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
Bradish's journey through injury this season has been arduous. He missed the first month of the 2024 season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. The team initially opted for a non-surgical approach as a temporary solution, hoping to mitigate the need for more invasive intervention. Unfortunately, this method proved insufficient, leading to the necessity of surgery.
Looking back at Bradish's performance, it’s evident why his absence will be keenly felt. In the limited 39 1/3 innings he pitched across eight starts this season, Bradish posted a stellar 2.75 ERA and an impressive 2.48 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP). His numbers from the previous year were equally remarkable, with a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 strikeout-to-walk (K/BB) ratio over 168 2/3 innings in 2023. Bradish’s excellence on the mound didn't go unrecognized, as he finished fourth in the American League (AL) Cy Young voting in 2023.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles are facing a precarious situation with their starting rotation. In addition to Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells are also out for the rest of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. This rash of injuries has decimated the team's pitching depth, creating a significant challenge for the Orioles as they strive for success in the highly competitive AL East.
With the trade deadline approaching, Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias is likely to explore the market for starting pitchers. Moves made in the coming weeks will be crucial if the Orioles are to overtake their division rivals, including the formidable New York Yankees, who currently hold a lead in the standings.
Aim for the Title
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles remain resolute in their aim to replicate their 2023 success, a year in which they won 101 games and clinched the American League East title. The offseason acquisition of star pitcher Corbin Burnes was a testament to their ambition. As of now, the Orioles boast a 47-25 record but find themselves trailing by 2 1/2 games in the division standings.
Kyle Bradish's loss is a significant blow both statistically and from a morale perspective. The team must navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most reliable arms. The decisions made by the front office in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the season’s trajectory. If the Orioles can make strategic acquisitions to bolster their rotation, they stand a chance of maintaining their competitive edge and achieving their goal of a consecutive division title.
The Orioles' ability to adapt and respond to these challenges will define their season. While the loss of Bradish and others is a hurdle, the team's 2023 successes show that they have the resilience and capability to overcome adversity. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Orioles as they navigate this critical juncture and fight to stay in contention.