The recent news of John Means and Tyler Wells missing the remainder of the season due to elbow problems that require surgery has dealt a significant blow to Baltimore’s pitching depth. Means, who had returned late last season from Tommy John surgery, has only made eight starts since then. On the other hand, Wells, who made 43 starts over the past two years, only managed to make three starts in 2024. General manager Mike Elias confirmed that both players will need to have their UCLs repaired, but the exact type of surgery and recovery timeframes remain uncertain. The absence of these key pitchers raises concerns for the Orioles as they strive to defend their AL East title.
The Orioles started the season without Means and Kyle Bradish. While Bradish has returned, Dean Kremer’s absence due to a triceps strain has left a void in the rotation. With Means and Wells likely out until next season, the team is faced with the challenge of maintaining a competitive pitching staff. Elias mentioned the possibility of an 11-12 month recovery period post-surgery, indicating that the Orioles may need to explore other options to fill the gaps in their roster. Despite the setbacks, pitchers like Albert Suarez, Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, and Bradish have stepped up to keep the rotation functional.
As the Orioles navigate through a packed schedule in June with limited off days, the need for a dependable starting rotation becomes crucial. With only one scheduled off day in the month, the team will face formidable opponents like the Rays, Blue Jays, Braves, Phillies, Yankees, Astros, Guardians, and Rangers. Considering the circumstances, a six-man rotation might be a viable solution for the Orioles to manage their pitching workload effectively. However, the absence of key pitchers raises questions about the team’s depth and ability to sustain their performance throughout the season.
While the Orioles have a strong farm system loaded with promising prospects, most of them are position players. Left-hander Cade Povich, who has been impressive in Triple-A Norfolk with a 5-1 record and a 2.35 ERA, emerges as a potential candidate to bolster the pitching staff. Elias acknowledged Povich’s performance and indicated that the team is closely monitoring his progress. With a challenging stretch of games ahead and the need for reliable arms on the mound, the Orioles may need to consider promoting prospects like Povich to provide support for the pitching rotation.
The injuries to key pitchers like Means and Wells have placed the Orioles in a difficult position as they navigate through the remainder of the season. Finding ways to compensate for the absence of these players and maintain a competitive pitching staff will be crucial for the team’s success. By exploring alternative options within the organization and closely monitoring the progress of prospects in the farm system, the Orioles can mitigate the impact of the injuries and ensure that they remain competitive in the challenging AL East division.
Leave a Reply