The Baltimore Orioles are confronting significant challenges as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season, with injuries sidelining key players and prompting strategic adjustments to their roster.
**Kyle Bradish’s Season-Ending Surgery**
Right-handed starting pitcher Kyle Bradish, who had an impressive 2024 season with a 2.83 ERA and a fourth-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting, underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on June 19, 2024. This procedure, which included the addition of an internal brace, is expected to sideline him for 12 to 18 months, effectively ruling him out for the entire 2025 season. Bradish had initially attempted to manage his elbow discomfort with a platelet-rich plasma injection during the offseason, but after experiencing issues in a start against the Philadelphia Phillies, surgery became necessary.
**Andrew Kittredge’s Knee Surgery**
In the bullpen, right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge is also facing a significant setback. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to address cartilage issues and is expected to miss multiple months. Kittredge, who signed a one-year deal with the Orioles, was anticipated to play a crucial role in high-leverage situations.
**Additional Pitching Concerns**
The Orioles’ pitching staff is further strained by injuries to other key players:
– **Grayson Rodriguez**: The 25-year-old right-hander, projected to lead the rotation after the departures of Corbin Burnes and John Means in free agency, is starting the season on the injured list due to right triceps and elbow discomfort. Rodriguez is seeking multiple medical opinions, and while the injury is not considered a ligament issue, his return timeline remains uncertain.
– **Trevor Rogers**: The left-handed starter is dealing with a right knee subluxation and is projected to return at the start of May.
– **Dean Kremer**: The right-hander has been on the injured list since late May with a right triceps strain. He recently began a rehab assignment and is scheduled for another start, after which his status will be evaluated.
**Roster Adjustments and Acquisitions**
In response to these injuries, the Orioles have made several roster moves to bolster their pitching depth:
– **Kyle Gibson Signing**: The team signed veteran right-handed starter Kyle Gibson to a one-year contract. Gibson, 37, returns to Baltimore after a previous stint in 2023, during which he posted a 15-9 record with a 4.73 ERA over 33 starts. With 12 years of MLB experience, including an All-Star selection in 2021, Gibson is expected to provide stability to the rotation amid the current injury crisis.
– **Bullpen Adjustments**: The Orioles have selected the contract of utilityman Nick Maton from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned outfielder Kyle Stowers to their top farm club. Additionally, right-hander Tyler Wells, who is recovering from right elbow UCL surgery, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
**Outlook for the Season**
Despite these significant injuries, the Orioles remain optimistic about their prospects for the 2025 season. Manager Brandon Hyde emphasized the importance of depth and resilience, acknowledging that the team will need contributions from multiple players to navigate these challenges. The organization is actively exploring options to reinforce the roster, including potential trades and promotions from within their farm system.
The Orioles’ ability to adapt to these adversities will be critical as they aim to remain competitive in the American League East. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how the team manages these setbacks and which players step up to fill the void left by these injuries.
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