Red Sox Face Uncertainty as Orioles Announce Unknown Starter

The Baltimore Orioles will hand the ball to Kyle Bradish on Tuesday night against the Boston Red Sox. It’s his first Major League appearance in over a year.

Bradish, a right-hander, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. He’s trying to recapture his form after a long layoff.

He looked sharp when healthy, but there’s real uncertainty about how deep he’ll pitch. The Orioles’ bullpen has had its own issues holding leads, which puts extra pressure on Bradish’s return.

For Boston, this series opener feels like a real chance to attack a vulnerable pitching staff. They’d love to set the tone for the week right away.

Kyle Bradish’s Long Road Back

Bradish hasn’t pitched in the majors since his UCL reconstruction surgery last season. Even before that, his 2023 campaign got off to a late start because of another arm injury.

The Orioles finally shut him down when surgery became the only option. It’s been a long road back.

Challenges After Tommy John Surgery

Pitchers coming back from Tommy John surgery usually face a tough climb. They often deal with shaky command, lower velocity, and mechanics that just aren’t quite right for a while.

Bradish has made several minor league rehab starts, but his numbers—4.91 ERA in 22 innings—show he’s still searching for his best stuff.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde says Bradish is fully stretched out after throwing 89 pitches in his most recent outing. Still, he hasn’t pitched into the sixth inning at any level this year.

If he struggles early, the bullpen will have to pick up the slack.

The Bullpen Issue for Baltimore

The Red Sox probably can’t wait to test the Orioles’ relief corps. Baltimore’s bullpen has a 4.66 ERA, which ranks 26th in MLB.

That’s a glaring weakness for a team that already lacks reliable starters.

Boston’s Path to Victory

Boston could benefit from patience at the plate in Game 1. If they work Bradish deep into counts and raise his pitch count, they might reach the Orioles’ bullpen early.

That scenario favors the Red Sox, given Baltimore’s late-game struggles.

• Make Bradish throw extra pitches by working long at-bats.
• Take advantage of runners in scoring position before Baltimore turns to its relievers.
• Put early pressure on the scoreboard to throw off Baltimore’s plans for Wednesday’s undecided starter.

Bradish at His Best

Before his injury, Bradish featured a sinker that kept the ball on the ground. He paired it with a nasty slider and a looping curveball.

This mix helped him get weak contact and avoid big innings. He looked like a real asset in the rotation when everything clicked.

Limitations in 2024

The big question for Orioles fans: Can Bradish get back to that level this soon? With Baltimore’s playoff hopes looking slim, it’s hard to know how much the staff will push him.

They might want to protect his arm and limit his innings, especially in these early starts. That means more work for the middle relievers—an area that’s been rough for Baltimore all season.

Implications for the Series

Game 1 isn’t just about Bradish’s return. It’s about momentum, and maybe a little bit of hope for both teams.

Boston sees an opening against a pitcher still finding his groove, especially with the Orioles’ Game 2 starter undecided. Baltimore, meanwhile, would love a strong outing from Bradish to boost the clubhouse and maybe take some heat off the bullpen.

Final Thoughts

Bradish’s comeback will draw plenty of attention, not just for what it means to him, but for what it could do for the Orioles right now. Can he really deliver one of those vintage outings, or will he still look a bit rusty?

Boston’s lineup won’t make it easy. They’ll be ready to test him, every single pitch.

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Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Facing Unknown In Orioles’s Starting Pitcher