The American League-best Baltimore Orioles suffered a potentially major setback on Saturday. Star reliever Felix Bautista, who has burst on the scene this year as the AL’s top closer, was placed on the 15-day IL with a UCL injury. The severity of the injury is unknown at this point. The Orioles announced the move in conjunction with recalling pitcher DL Hall from the minors.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/DHaslYiNVs
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 26, 2023
Felix Bautista to IL with UCL Injury
The injury to Bautista could potentially be crushing to an upstart Orioles team that continues to surprise the baseball world. Although last season was a significant improvement for them over 2021, few expected them to rise to the top of the AL standings as rapidly as they have. Their star closer Bautista is no small reason why. After debuting in the big leagues last season, when he accumulated 15 saves with a 2.19 ERA, the 28-year-old righty has truly arrived on the scene in 2023. In 56 appearances, Bautista sports an 8-2 record with a minuscule 1.48 ERA, 110 strikeouts, and 33 saves. With an intimidating 6’8″, 285-pound frame and a deadly fastball, he has mowed down hitter after hitter this season.
Bautista exited Friday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies, a 5-4 O’s win, with discomfort in his right elbow. The injury became apparent after he delivered a 102 mph fastball with two outs in the ninth. The following day, Baltimore general manager Mike Elias stated that Bautista had “some degree of injury” to his UCL. Of course, the main concern is that a tear of the ligament would likely require Tommy John surgery. This would cost Bautista the rest of the season and probably all of 2024.
Félix Bautista was just a pitch away from ending this game but had to leave after throwing this one. Hope he’s okay. ? pic.twitter.com/vdIMNG8FLc
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) August 26, 2023
If the injury is not that severe, however, Bautista could make a comeback before the end of the season. The Orioles appear ticketed for the postseason, and having a weapon like Bautista at their disposal in the late innings would help them contend with more experienced teams. While the Birds’ strong young lineup is a major asset as October approaches, losing Bautista long-term would be a devastating blow.
Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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