Bradish's Comeback Fortifies Orioles' Rotation Depth

The Baltimore Orioles’ starting rotation is set to receive a significant boost with the anticipated return of Kyle Bradish. After a successful recovery from a right UCL sprain that threatened to derail his 2024 campaign, the promising right-hander is poised to rejoin the team this week.

Bradish’s impending activation comes at an opportune time for the Orioles, who have been navigating the early stages of the season with a depleted pitching staff. While the offseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes fortified their rotation, injuries to John Means and Tyler Wells created a temporary void that required reinforcements.

However, as Means and Wells progress through their respective rehabilitation assignments, the Orioles can now look forward to welcoming back their young ace, who emerged as a cornerstone of their pitching staff last season.

Bradish’s journey back to the mound has been a testament to his resilience and the Orioles’ proactive approach to his recovery. Initially, there were concerns that the UCL injury might necessitate Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure, potentially sidelining him for an extended period. However, the team’s medical staff opted for a PRP injection, which kickstarted Bradish’s road to recovery.

With a series of successful rehab outings under his belt, including a 77-pitch outing at the Triple-A level, Bradish has demonstrated that he is ready to rejoin the big league club. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde expressed excitement about the right-hander’s imminent return, stating, “Kyle was one of the best pitchers in the league last year, and we’re excited to have him back.”

Bradish’s stellar 2023 campaign, which saw him finish fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting with a 2.83 ERA, 25% strikeout rate, and 6.6% walk rate across 168 2/3 innings, underscores his importance to the Orioles’ pitching staff. Despite allowing a fair share of hard contact, his ability to induce groundballs at a 49.2% rate minimized the damage, and a .270 BABIP further contributed to his success.

With Bradish’s return, the Orioles’ rotation boasts a formidable trio of Burnes, Bradish, and the impending return of Means. The team’s depth will be further bolstered as Wells continues his recovery process, providing Hyde with multiple options to consider, including the possibility of implementing a six-man rotation.

The Orioles’ upcoming off-days on May 6 and 9 present an opportune window for the team to evaluate their pitching staff and potentially reset their rotation, easing Bradish and Means back into action while managing their workloads effectively.

As the season progresses, the Orioles’ pitching staff promises to be a strength, with Bradish’s comeback serving as a pivotal factor in their quest for success. The right-hander’s return not only fortifies the rotation but also provides the team with a valuable asset capable of anchoring their pitching staff for years to come.