Report: Baltimore Orioles reliever possibly to start season on the IL

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 1:01 PM ET

The Baltimore Orioles had one of the worst bullpens in Major League Baseball last season (25th, 4.57 ERA), added right-handers Ryan Helsley and former Chicago Cubs reliever Andrew Kittredge to give things a boost.

Sadly for the Orioles, Kittredge won’t be a factor for them to start the season, with Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reporting that the soon-to-be 36-year-old (March 17) Kittredge will likely start the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.

Kittredge has pitched in one game this spring and allowed three runs (two earned) in a third of an inning.

Kittredge was with the Orioles and the Cubs last season, having a 4-3 record with a 3.40 ERA in 54 games. 2025 marked the fifth straight season Kittredge had an ERA under 3.50.

The Chicago Cubs lucked out in not retaining Andrew Kittredge for the 2026 season

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) watches his solo home run off Chicago Cubs pitcher Andrew Kittredge (59) during the seventh inning of their National League Division Series game Saturday, October 11, 2025 at American Family Field n Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Cubs could have brought Kittredge back to be a part of their revamped bullpen, as he had a $9 million club option, which the Orioles picked up upon trading for him. Kittredge had knee surgery to begin last season, which forced him to miss Opening Day and debut on May 21.

Kittredge’s absence means others on the fringes of the Orioles roster will get chances to see if they can fill a late-inning role that Kittredge would’ve occupied.

Oct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Andrew Kittredge (59) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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