The Baltimore Orioles are facing yet another setback in their pitching staff as Kyle Bradish was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a sprained right UCL. This injury comes after Bradish complained about his elbow during the previous night’s game against Philadelphia. This is not the first time Bradish has dealt with this injury, as he was sidelined for a month earlier in the season with the same issue. Despite choosing rehab over surgery initially, the severity of the injury this time around remains uncertain. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s difficult. It’s part of the game.”
Struggles and Overcoming Adversity
Despite the loss of key starters like John Means and Tyler Wells to season-ending injuries, the Orioles have managed to stay competitive, sitting 21 games over .500. Dean Kremer is also on the injured list with a triceps strain, and the team is without closer Felix Bautista due to Tommy John surgery. In addition, left-hander Danny Coulombe recently joined the injured list with left elbow inflammation. Hyde acknowledged the challenges, saying, “We got real fortunate the last couple years. This year, we’ve had our share so far.” Adversity in the form of injuries is not unique to the Orioles, as many teams across the league are also facing similar struggles.
With Bradish sidelined, the Orioles will need to rely on Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez to anchor the rotation. Despite the injuries, the team has been buoyed by the performances of Cole Irvin and Albert Suarez. Irvin boasts a 6-3 record with a 3.03 ERA, while Suarez has been impressive with a 3-0 record and a 1.61 ERA. Rookie Cade Povich has also shown promise in his first two starts, providing a glimmer of hope for the Orioles. However, with a grueling stretch of 17 games in 17 days coming to an end, the team faces a challenging schedule ahead.
As the Orioles gear up for a crucial series against the AL East-leading Yankees, they are set to face their only scheduled off day in June. Bradish’s injury complicates the possibility of a six-man rotation, at least until Kremer returns from his injury. Hyde remains pragmatic, stating, “We’ll see what happens when Dean comes back, but right now we’ve got five.” The Orioles will need to navigate through their pitching woes and rely on their depth to stay competitive in a tough division.