Baltimore Orioles Starter Using New Ace To Improve His Own Game

At least one Baltimore Orioles starter is using their newly acquired ace to get pointers on how to improve his own performance when on the mound.

Mar 31, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Tyler Wells (68) delivers a third inning pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

When the Baltimore Orioles acquired Corbin Burnes this offseason, it was seen as a move that could get them over the final hurdle and give them a great opportunity to make a deep playoff run.

Despite having talented starters in the rotation, they were missing a clear-cut ace.

Burnes gives them that, and it was on full display in his dominant one hit and 11 strikeout performance on Opening Day.

However, the Orioles could get a lot more than just performance benefits from the former NL Cy Young winner during his scheduled one season with the team.

Tyler Wells is leaning on the star right-hander to improve his own game, something that could be a major benefit for the team moving forward.

"His approach is pretty much beneficial for every guy in this rotation. I was able to talk to him after my (first) start. He provided a lot of insight on things I could be better at. Just to take that in and listen to him is very beneficial and I think he’ll continue to be open with us like that," he said according to Steve Melewski of MASN.

That could go a long way in helping Wells grow as a starter.

He transitioned into that role during 2022 after spending all of 2021 coming out of the bullpen. It's been a relative struggle for the right-hander so far in his career, only having one season with a sub-4.00 ERA.

Wells gave up three earned runs in six innings pitched during his first start of 2024. The damage was done in the first two frames before he was able to settle in and have a solid performance the rest of the outing.

Using Burnes as someone to learn from should be beneficial for this entire starting rotation considering how young they are.

If they're able to take some of his pointers and apply it to their own approaches, this unit should expect to be one of the top starting groups in the MLB.