The Baltimore Orioles have been hit with a major setback as two key pitchers, John Means and Tyler Wells, are set to miss the remainder of the season due to elbow problems that require surgery. This news comes as a blow to the Orioles, who are currently fighting to defend their AL East title. Means, who returned late last season from Tommy John surgery, has only made eight starts since then, while Wells, who made 43 starts over the past two years, has only managed three starts in 2024. General manager Mike Elias confirmed that both players will undergo UCL repairs, although the exact type of surgery is still pending, making the recovery time frames uncertain. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde expressed his disappointment, stating, “Two guys you really pull for. We were hoping for better news.”
The Orioles began the season without Means and Kyle Bradish in their starting rotation. While Bradish has since returned, Dean Kremer has been sidelined for over a week with a triceps strain. The potential absence of Means and Wells until next season poses a significant challenge for the team. Elias acknowledged the lengthy recovery process for UCL repair surgeries, estimating an 11- to 12-month timeline for a return to play. With Albert Suarez making a solid start on Friday, the Orioles are looking towards pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, and Bradish to bolster their rotation. However, the lack of starting pitching options due to injuries remains a concern for the team.
As the Orioles navigate through a packed June schedule with limited off days, the need for additional starting pitching options becomes crucial. While Burnes, Bradish, and Irvin have shown promise with their performances, the absence of Means and Wells creates a gap in the rotation. Kremer’s potential return before the end of June could provide some relief, but the Orioles are exploring all options to address their pitching depth challenges. Hyde mentioned the possibility of a six-man rotation to manage the upcoming busy schedule, emphasizing the need to keep all options open to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
The Orioles are turning to their farm system for potential reinforcements in the pitching department. While most of the top prospects are position players, left-hander Cade Povich has been making a strong case for himself in Triple-A Norfolk with a 5-1 record and a 2.35 ERA. Elias highlighted Povich’s performance and the team’s consideration of utilizing him in the major league rotation. With a relentless June schedule ahead, the Orioles are closely monitoring their prospects and evaluating various strategies to maintain a competitive pitching staff amidst ongoing challenges.
The injuries to John Means and Tyler Wells have presented significant hurdles for the Baltimore Orioles as they strive to compete in the AL East. The team’s depth in the pitching rotation will be put to the test in the coming months, requiring strategic planning and resourceful decision-making to overcome the setbacks. As the Orioles look to navigate through a demanding schedule and address their pitching deficiencies, they remain optimistic about exploring internal and external options to maintain a competitive edge in the league.
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