Baltimore Orioles GM Hints Towards Closer Félix Bautista's Possible Return in 2023
Two weeks ago, it seemed like Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista was done for the season.
There now appears to be a sliver of hope he returns to the mound this fall.
Orioles general manager Mike Elias spoke with reporters Monday, and Bautista's injury status was one of the major talking points during the availability. Bautista, who hurt his UCL in August, is apparently throwing and has not been ruled out from pitching again this year.
"This is not over for 2023," Elias said, according to The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka.
Bautista has not pitched since Aug. 25, and he has been on the injured list since Aug. 26. UCL injuries can require Tommy John surgery if serious enough, and recovery from that procedure could take upwards of 12 months.
Elias called Bautisa's injury "an acute episode," per Kostka, and said it would be an accurate description to call it a partial tear. Kostka later reported that the team had diagnosed Bautista with an "acute-on-chronic" UCL injury.
Bautista was enjoying a career year before he went down, going 8-2 with a 1.48 ERA, 0.918 WHIP and 33 saves in 56 appearances. The 6-foot-8, 285-pound right-hander from the Dominican Republic made his first All-Star Game in July, and his career WAR has already reached 5.7 despite less than two seasons as a reliever in the big leagues.
The Orioles still lead the AL East at 90-52, and they are actually tied for the best record in baseball since Bautista went down at 10-4. In games that Bautista has appeared in over the past two seasons, however, Baltimore is 95-26.
Bautista technically became eligible to come off the 15-day injured list Sunday, but the Orioles appear to be taking their time with the closer.
FanGraphs gives Baltimore a 100.0% chance to make the postseason and a 77.5% chance to clinch a bye, meaning they don't necessarily need to bring Bautista back as soon as possible.
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