Baltimore Orioles Key Reliever Feeling 'A Lot Better' After Injury

The Baltimore Orioles got a bit of a scare when one of their key relievers went down with an injury, but they got a good update based on how he's feeling as he works his way back to the bullpen.

Sep 28, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cionel Perez (58) delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the season, there were some questions about how the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen might look and operate without their superstar closer Felix Bautista available for the entire year.

They went out and signed Craig Kimbrel to be a bridge shutout man as they wait for their injured reliever to return in 2025 after his Tommy John surgery recovery.

In the meantime, they're going to need the relievers already in place to step and up deliver as they chase some regular season and playoff success in 2024.

That's why it was so concerning when Cionel Perez felt a bit of discomfort when warming up in the bullpen that caused him to leave the game following some errant pitches. After originally think it was a back issue, the left-hander was diagnosed with a strained right oblique.

The good news for the Orioles is their reliever could be back sooner than expected.

"I already feel a lot better. Thankfully, the treatments are working well and the doctors are really pleased with the way I've been able to recover. I'm already able to move a lot better, mobility's a lot better. And the hope is that in a few days I’ll start throwing again," he said according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.

Perez credits the issue being caught early as a reason why he might start pitching earlier than what might have been anticipated with this type of injury.

If he does get back to throwing soon, then there's a chance he avoids going on a rehab assignment down in the minors which would cause Baltimore to shift around their roster.

Brandon Hyde isn't sure if that will be the case and will monitor Perez's progression to see how long he will have been removed from live action to determine whether or not he needs a rehab stint.

Perez has been an important part of the Orioles' bullpen the past two seasons.

He's posted an ERA of 2.59 during his 131 appearances, including a ridiculous 1.40 ERA and 278 ERA+ in 2021.

Having the lefty will be important moving forward, so they're certainly hoping he continues to feel well as he works to return without having to get sent down to the minors.