Baltimore Orioles Star Pitcher Beginning Year on Injured List
There's a ton of optimism surrounding the Baltimore Orioles entering the 2024 season after their young stars proved they can play at a high level, the front office made a major roster upgrade, and more talented prospects are likely to debut.
However, some cold water was thrown on that excitement after it was revealed one of their star pitchers will begin the year on the injured list and will miss the start of the season.
According to Danielle Allentuck of Baltimore Banner, Kyle Bradish has been diagnosed with a UCL sprain.
Anytime that injury is mentioned, it's scary for pitchers.
Tears and damage to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) in throwing elbows often results in the necessity for Tommy John surgery, which usually needs about a year to rehab.
The Orioles are already dealing with Felix Bautista missing the entire 2024 season after his UCL injury.
Allentuck notes that Bradish received a PRP shot, or platelet-rich plasma injection. This is an orthopedic therapy that accelerates the healing of damaged joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
He will begin a throwing progression regimen to ease himself back into a routine that should have him ready to pitch this year.
But, this is a major issue for Baltimore.
Bradish was the ace of their staff last year after posting a 2.83 ERA across 30 starts and 168 2/3 innings pitched. His 146 ERA+ helped him cruise to a fourth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting results.
Missing him for any period of time is worrisome.
After the Orioles acquired Corbin Burnes, the rotation was looking like one of the top in baseball with Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez slotted in behind the 2021 NL Cy Young winner.
Ideally, the PRP treatment that the star pitcher is receiving will help his UCL sprain recover and there won't be any further issues.
This will certainly be a situation to monitor throughout the year as Baltimore has their sights set on another AL East title, and potentially the World Series.
