The Baltimore Orioles have had some tough luck when it comes to injuries.
They are currently without their closer in Felix Bautista, they had lost Dean Kremer to a strained triceps a few days ago, and now they got some horrible news on two additional starters: John Means and Tyler Wells.
They are both set for season-ending procedures on their elbows, per Talkin’ Baseball.
They will both have their UCLs (ulnar collateral ligament) repaired and won’t be available until 2025.
It’s a tough blow for the O’s pitching staff.
They still have Corbin Burnes, they still have Kyle Bradish and they still employ Grayson Rodriguez, but their depth just suffered a major hit and they might be one or two additional injuries away from disaster.
Still, if there is a team well-prepared to venture into the trade market to bring in a starter or two, it’s definitely the Orioles.
Means has been battling multiple health issues in recent years and had recently returned from injury.
In 20.2 innings, he had posted a 2.61 ERA with 16 strikeouts.
Wells was limited to three starts this year and finishes the season with a 5.87 ERA.
For now, the O’s are expected to plug Albert Suarez in the rotation to replace Means.
Wells hasn’t pitched since April.
The O’s also have two talented pitching prospects waiting in the wings should there be another injured starter: Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott.
In any case, losing Means and Wells for the long-term hurts, and it’s definitely not the news the O’s wanted to hear at this juncture.
