In a twist of fate that has left Baltimore Orioles fans both hopeful and concerned, right-hander Kyle Bradish, who dazzled the American League with the best second-half ERA among starters at 2.34, is facing a challenging time ahead. Bradish is hitting the injured list with a tear in his UCL, a development that has sent ripples through the Orioles camp. Despite this setback, Bradish has received a platelet-rich plasma injection and plans to continue throwing, aiming to pitch through the injury with determination and grit.
The news of Bradish’s injury was part of a series of announcements made by Orioles general manager Mike Elias, who also shared updates on other key players. Star infielder Gunnar Henderson is dealing with an oblique injury, and left-hander John Means is a month behind in his pitching program, likely sidelining him for Opening Day. Despite these challenges, Elias remains optimistic, especially about Bradish, stating that “everything is pointing in the right direction” for the hard-throwing right-hander.
Bradish’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. After a rocky start to his career, which saw him optioned to Triple-A due to a high ERA and shoulder pain, he returned with a vengeance. His new pitch mix and a simplified wind-up led to a stunning turnaround, culminating in a 2.83 ERA over 30 starts and a fourth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting. His slider and curveball became weapons of choice, baffling hitters and contributing to his +29 Run Value on breaking balls, the highest of any AL pitcher.
The Orioles’ rotation faces challenges with Bradish and Means on the injured list, but the team remains open to adding another pitcher before the season starts. The defending AL East champions have shown resilience and the ability to adapt, a testament to their depth and the talent within the organization.
As we reflect on Bradish’s 2023 season, it’s clear that he has become an integral part of the Orioles’ success. His ability to outperform expectations and evolve into a top starter is a story of perseverance and skill. The Orioles, and their fans, eagerly await his return to the mound, where he will continue to showcase his competitive spirit and devastating arsenal of pitches. With Bradish at the helm, the Orioles’ future looks bright, even as they navigate the uncertainties of injury and recovery.
Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Adley Rutschman, another key player in the Orioles’ breakout season. As we celebrate the achievements of these young stars, we remain hopeful for their swift return to full health and their continued impact on the game.
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