"Elias specifically citing the need for a closer makes sense given the injury timeline for Felix Bautista. The 30-year-old had surgery in mid-August to repair a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He's expected to miss 12 months. If he sticks to that recovery outlook, Bautista would likely only be able to contribute in the final month of the season."
"Bautista took over as Baltimore's closer to finish the 2022 season. The Orioles dealt Jorge Lopez to the Twins for a package that included Yennier Cano and Cade Povich, who would both become big-league assets. Bautista recorded 15 saves that year, his first season at the MLB level. The big righty blossomed into an elite closer in 2023, securing 33 saves with a pristine 1.48 ERA to earn his first All-Star appearance."
Baltimore added Andrew Kittredge in a trade with the Cubs and projects him as the likely closer if the season started today. Mike Elias said the team is working to make external additions to the bullpen, prioritizing an experienced ninth-inning arm. Felix Bautista underwent mid‑August surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum and is expected to miss 12 months, likely limiting his return to the final month of the season. Bautista recorded 15 saves in 2022 and 33 saves with a 1.48 ERA in 2023. Elias previously signed Craig Kimbrel on a one-year deal before the 2024 season; Kimbrel notched 19 saves with a 2.37 ERA over the first three months.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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