The Baltimore Orioles have been hit with another injury to their starting rotation, with Kyle Bradish back on the 15-day injured list. Bradish exited Friday’s start after experiencing soreness in his right elbow. He surrendered his first two home runs of the season and left with Baltimore down 2-1 after the fifth inning.
Orioles Pitcher Returns To Injured List
“He came to us and said his elbow was bothering him, so we’re going to get further tests on that,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. “So, he had to come out of the game after that inning.”
Kyle Bradish was diagnosed with a sprained UCL in his right elbow and began the season on the injured list. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow, and the Orioles were optimistic that the 27-year-old right-hander could avoid surgery. Bradish made the first of his eight starts on May 2nd and Friday’s start with a 2.75 ERA. His velocity reached a career-high on Friday, but he was occasionally seen shaking out his arm between plate appearances.
Any elbow injury raises alarm, but initial concerns about Bradish possibly needing Tommy John surgery make this particularly troublesome. Brandon Hyde said Bradish will undergo more tests before the Orioles make their next move. The quick decision to place him on the 15-day injured list is an ominous sign of a longer-term absence.
Orioles Place Kyle Bradish Back On The Injured List With A Second UCL Sprain
The Orioles recalled left-hander Nick Vespi from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Bradish on the active roster in a corresponding move. Baltimore had moved to a six-man rotation before Bradish’s injury but is back down to five starters. After recalling Nick Vespi for the fifth time, the Orioles now have an eight-man bullpen. Vespi has pitched two clean innings for the Orioles this season and sports a 2.84 ERA over 25 ⅓ innings with Triple-A Norfolk.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/z2s64Yibx1
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) June 15, 2024
Baltimore has been linked to several pitchers ahead of this year’s trade deadline, given five of their starters have spent time on the injured list. In Bradish’s absence, the Orioles rotation will likely include: Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Albert Suárez, Cole Irvin, and Cade Povich. Right-hander Dean Kremer, who suffered a right triceps strain in late May, is expected to start his first rehab with Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday.
On Saturday, Rodriguez is scheduled to take the mound for the second of Baltimore’s three-game set against the Phillies. Orioles ace Corbin Burnes is scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale in what could be a 2024 World Series preview.
Main Photo Credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
