Star Orioles Closer Heads To IL with UCL Injury

Felix Bautista to IL with UCL Injury

The injury to Bautista could potentially be crushing to an upstart Orioles team that continues to surprise the baseball world. Although last season was a significant improvement for them over 2021, few expected them to rise to the top of the AL standings as rapidly as they have. Their star closer Bautista is no small reason why. After debuting in the big leagues last season, when he accumulated 15 saves with a 2.19 ERA, the 28-year-old righty has truly arrived on the scene in 2023. In 56 appearances, Bautista sports an 8-2 record with a minuscule 1.48 ERA, 110 strikeouts, and 33 saves. With an intimidating 6’8″, 285-pound frame and a deadly fastball, he has mowed down hitter after hitter this season.

Bautista exited Friday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies, a 5-4 O’s win, with discomfort in his right elbow. The injury became apparent after he delivered a 102 mph fastball with two outs in the ninth. The following day, Baltimore general manager Mike Elias stated that Bautista had “some degree of injury” to his UCL. Of course, the main concern is that a tear of the ligament would likely require Tommy John surgery. This would cost Bautista the rest of the season and probably all of 2024.

If the injury is not that severe, however, Bautista could make a comeback before the end of the season. The Orioles appear ticketed for the postseason, and having a weapon like Bautista at their disposal in the late innings would help them contend with more experienced teams. While the Birds’ strong young lineup is a major asset as October approaches, losing Bautista long-term would be a devastating blow.