The Baltimore Orioles will soon have their starting rotation at full strength with left-hander John Means returning this weekend. Means is expected to be activated off the injured list ahead of Baltimore’s series opener in Cincinnati. After returning from Tommy John surgery in September, the 31-year-old has been sidelined with a left forearm strain.
Means made his sixth rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, saving his best start for last. The veteran left-hander struck out eight while allowing just one hit and one walk over seven scoreless innings. He got his pitch count up to 95 in the outing, throwing 61 for strikes. So, Means should be ready for a typical workload in his first start with Baltimore.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde confirmed Monday that Means will be activated from the injured list and will rejoin the rotation later this week. Hyde didn’t say when Means will pitch, but he would be on regular rest for Friday’s series opener in Cincinnati.
John Means Will Make His Next Start for Baltimore
The All-Star left-hander made his first rehab start last month and slowly progressed after getting off to a rough start. He finished his six-game rehab assignment with an 8.68 ERA, a 1.55 WHIP and 22 strikeouts over 18 ⅔ innings of work. Means made four starts for Baltimore last season after being activated in September following Tommy John surgery the year before. He pitched to a 1-2 record with a 2.66 ERA and 10 strikeouts over 23 ⅔ innings of work. Means was scratched from Baltimore’s postseason roster after experiencing a “flare-up” shortly after returning to the Orioles rotation. He began his offseason throwing routine a month later and opened the season on the 15-day injured list.
The Return of Another Orioles Pitcher?
Baltimore’s pitching staff is getting closer to full strength with right-hander Kyle Bradish expected to return to the rotation Thursday. The 27-year-old right-hander threw five innings in his third rehab start and first with Triple-A Norfolk on Friday. With Means and Bradish expected to return to Baltimore, Albert Suárez and Cole Irvin will likely shift to the Orioles bullpen. The reigning divisional champions were projected to have one of the best starting rotations in the majors to start in 2024. But with the pair on the injured list, Irvin and Tyler Wells opened the season in the Orioles starting rotation.
Baltimore has been closely battling the New York Yankees for the division lead through the season’s first month. But Baltimore could run away with the division with Means and Bradish returning to the rotation alongside Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer.
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