Baltimore Orioles Face Pitching Crisis as Kyle Bradish Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles will be without right-handed starter Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season. The team announced on Wednesday that Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery, which included the installation of an internal brace to support his ulnar collateral ligament.
Injuries and Rehabilitation
Bradish's journey this season has been turbulent. He missed the first month of the 2024 season after a UCL sprain was discovered in February. Opting for a non-surgical approach initially, Bradish and the Orioles attempted to rehab the tear. This strategy, however, proved to be only a temporary solution.
Bradish had been performing exceptionally well before his season-ending surgery, boasting a 2.75 ERA and a 2.48 FIP in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts. The 27-year-old was coming off a breakout 2023 campaign, where he recorded a 2.83 ERA and a 3.82 K/BB ratio in 168 2/3 innings. His outstanding performance last season also earned him a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting.
Current State of the Rotation
The Orioles’ rotation is now in a precarious state. They are already missing John Means and Tyler Wells, both of whom are also expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season following their own elbow surgeries. The absence of these crucial pitchers puts a significant strain on the team's depth.
Given the circumstances, Orioles' general manager Mike Elias may need to be proactive in seeking out starting pitchers leading up to the trade deadline. Such actions may be crucial if the Orioles are to catch up and overtake the Yankees in the competitive AL East.
Aim for the Title
The need for reinforcements is pressing, particularly as the Orioles aim to repeat their success from 2023, when they won 101 games and captured the American League East title. The Orioles have already made bold moves, acquiring ace Corbin Burnes this past offseason. However, more might be required to sustain their current momentum. The team will enter Wednesday's game against the Yankees with a 47-25 record, trailing by just 2 1/2 games.
The loss of Kyle Bradish is a significant blow to the Orioles, not just statistically but also from a morale perspective. Bradish was a key figure in the rotation and contributed substantially to the team’s achievements. As Baltimore navigates these challenges, decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their season.