Orioles general manager Mike Elias announced that right-hander Kyle Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace on Wednesday, sidelining him for the remainder of this year and part of 2025. Danielle Allentuck of the Baltimore Banner reported the news. Additionally, left-hander Danny Coulombe had bone chips removed from his elbow and is expected to be out until September, although he might return this year.
Bradish’s absence is a significant blow to the Orioles’ rotation. He had an impressive breakout season last year, making 30 starts with a 2.83 ERA, a 25% strikeout rate, a 6.6% walk rate, and a 49.2% ground ball rate. Earlier this year, Bradish was diagnosed with a UCL sprain. The team initially tried non-surgical treatments, including a platelet-rich plasma injection, which seemed promising. However, after a brief return, he reinjured his UCL, necessitating surgery.
The Orioles’ approach mirrored cases like Masahiro Tanaka and Seth Lugo, who avoided surgery after UCL injuries. However, Bradish’s condition ultimately required surgery, a setback considering he was part of a rotation that boasts a collective 3.03 ERA, one of the best in MLB despite losing Tyler Wells and John Means to similar surgeries.
Currently, the Orioles’ rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. With Povich and Suárez having limited major league experience, and Irvin and Kremer showing potential for regression, the team will likely seek pitching reinforcements before the July 30 trade deadline. Dean Kremer is expected to rejoin the rotation soon after his rehab assignment, but other depth options like Levi Stoudt, Bruce Zimmermann, and Jonathan Heasley provide uncertain reliability.
Coulombe’s situation, while less severe, is still impactful. The lefty, who has posted a 2.68 ERA since joining the Orioles, will miss significant time due to elbow inflammation. His absence leaves Cionel Pérez, Keegan Akin, and Nick Vespi as the primary left-handers in the bullpen.
Coulombe, like Bradish, may be moved to the 60-day IL if the Orioles need his roster spot. His contract includes a club option for 2024 with escalators based on appearances, but with only 29 appearances this year, he’s unlikely to meet those criteria. Coulombe will reach six years of service time by season’s end and could become a free agent if the Orioles decline his option.
The Orioles face a challenging period ahead, needing to adjust their pitching strategy and possibly making moves to sustain their competitive rotation as they contend with these significant injuries.
