Orioles Reliever 'Feels Great' Despite Rocky Start

Unlike last season, the Baltimore Orioles have a healthy Tyler Wells to open 2026.

However, his role has shifted from starting pitcher to reliever. And based on early results, it's safe to say that Wells is still adjusting to his new position. Through three appearances so far, the right-hander has posted a 10.13 ERA over 2.2 innings. In addition, opponents are hitting a whopping .462 off of him to start the season.

Wells' poor numbers thus far aren't due to a single bad outing. He has given up a run in each game he's pitched and is still looking for his first scoreless inning of 2026.

Tyler Wells Remains Optimistic Amidst Early Struggles

Despite his early struggles, Wells expressed optimism and satisfaction with his performance thus far in 2026.

“Obviously, the numbers don’t reflect how I’m feeling, to be honest with you,” Wells said on Tuesday. “I feel great. I’m extremely happy with the way that the body’s moving, with the way that the arm feels. I’m extremely happy with my stuff. Really, just feels like a lot of bad luck right now. Balls just kind of falling where there’s no one at and just kind of getting through holes. And unfortunately, that’s baseball."

"I’m extremely happy with my stuff. Really, just feels like a lot of bad luck right now."

Tyler Wells on his start to the season. https://t.co/W3EbrB7FD3
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) April 1, 2026

These remarks are encouraging given Wells's recent injury history. A right UCL revision surgery limited him to just seven combined starts in 2024 and 2025. Wells made his return last year on September 2, 2025, and posted a 2.91 ERA in four starts following his return.

Wells carried his late-season momentum into Spring Training, arriving fully healthy for the first time since 2024. He was nearly perfect across seven appearances, recording six scoreless outings. His only blemish came on March 13 against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he surrendered his only four runs of the spring in a single game.

High-leverage reliever Tyler Wells? He's sure looking the part.

6 up, 6 down in 2 innings. 3 strikeouts. 5 whiffs in 24-pitch outing.

Wells has tossed 5 scoreless innings in 4 appearances. 1 hit allowed. 0 walks. 8 strikeouts. Could be a weapon in back end of 'pen to open '26. pic.twitter.com/aJmectxxNf
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) March 4, 2026

Although Wells has yet to translate his Spring Training success to the regular season, he continues to pitch in high-leverage spots for Baltimore. He pitched in the 8th inning in two games against the Minnesota Twins, and in the 9th on Monday against the Texas Rangers.

Injuries to Félix Bautista and Andrew Kittredge have led to Wells serving as a primary setup man for new closer Ryan Helsley. Kittredge, who is on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday. He will likely require several appearances before rejoining Baltimore's bullpen.

In the meantime, expect Wells to continue getting reps in the setup role and look to solidify himself as a reliable reliever in Baltimore's crowded bullpen.

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