Félix Bautista Undergoes shoulder Surgery, Orioles Face Closer Uncertainty
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Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista will miss significant time after undergoing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum, the team announced yesterday. The procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in los Angeles,is considered successful,though the recovery timeline presents a considerable challenge for the American League East contenders.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Bautista’s surgery addresses injuries to both his rotator cuff and labrum,common ailments for pitchers that frequently enough require extensive rehabilitation. The initial prognosis indicates a recovery period of at least twelve months, potentially extending into a second full season without his services.This setback follows a previous ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow that kept him sidelined during the 2024 season.
The Orioles initially noticed discomfort in Bautista’s shoulder in late July. He informed the team he was unavailable to pitch on July 23 while in Cleveland. Interim manager Tony Mansolino recalled the moment, stating, “Right when I heard that thing ring, I told whoever was next to me, ‘That is not good.’ I didn’t know what it was or who it was, but when it came our way that wasn’t good. I heard it get slammed after and I knew it wasn’t going to be good. And it turned out to be really horrendous.”
Bautista was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort on July 24,and the team confirmed on August 12 that he would not pitch again this season.mansolino emphasized that Bautista hadn’t expressed any pain during his appearances prior to the injury.
Bautista’s Impact and 2023 Performance
In 2023, Bautista emerged as one of baseball’s premier closers, recording 33 saves with a remarkable 1.48 ERA and 0.918 WHIP across 56 appearances. He struck out 110 batters in 61 innings pitched, earning him an 11th-place finish in American League Cy Young voting and the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year award. His fastball consistently reached triple digits, making him a formidable presence on the mound.
Despite a slower start to the 2024 season following his elbow surgery,Bautista still managed a 2.60 ERA and 19 saves in 35 games, striking out 50 batters in 34 2/3 innings. His final appearance came on July 20 in Tampa Bay, where he secured a save but allowed a run, walked three batters, and threw a season-high 34 pitches.
did You Know? Rotator cuff tears are among the most common injuries in overhead athletes, with a reported incidence rate of 15-20% in baseball players ([[1]]).
Orioles’ Bullpen Situation
The Orioles already faced bullpen challenges before Bautista’s injury, having traded away Bryan Baker, seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, and Andrew Kittredge. Kittredge’s $9 million contract option and Baker’s continued team control through 2026 further complicate the situation.
Currently, the team lacks a clear-cut closer, with manager tony Mansolino utilizing Keegan Akin, Corbin Martin, Dietrich Enns, and Yaramil Hiraldo in the role. Hiraldo recently surrendered a 3-1 lead at Fenway Park after facing just two batters.
| player | 2023 Saves | 2023 ERA | 2024 Saves | 2024 ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Félix Bautista | 33 | 1.48 | 19 | 2.60 |
| Craig Kimbrel | – | – | – | 5.33 |
Pro Tip: Effective shoulder rehabilitation programs typically involve a phased approach, starting with pain and inflammation control, followed by range of motion and strengthening exercises, and culminating in sport-specific training ([[2]]).
What impact will Bautista’s absence have on the Orioles’ playoff chances? and how will the team address the closer role in the offseason?
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Orioles Bullpen
The orioles’ front office faces a critical offseason. Addressing the closer position will be paramount, potentially through free agency or trade. The team will also need to develop internal options and assess the long-term viability of their current bullpen arms. The success of the 2025 season may hinge on their ability to solidify the back end of the bullpen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused Félix Bautista’s injury? Bautista underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder.
- How long will Félix Bautista be out? He is expected to miss at least the next 12 months.
- who will be the Orioles’ closer in Bautista’s absence? Currently, the Orioles do not have a designated closer, utilizing multiple pitchers in the role.
- What is the recovery process like for a rotator cuff and labrum tear? The recovery involves a phased approach of pain management, range of motion exercises, strengthening, and sport-specific training.
- Did the Orioles try to find a closer before? Yes, they signed veteran Craig Kimbrel last year but released him after a disappointing performance.
We’ll continue to provide updates on Bautista’s recovery and the Orioles’ bullpen situation as they become available. Share your thoughts on the team’s outlook in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest baseball news!