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Baltimore Orioles Have Decision to Make After Injury News
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- Baltimore Orioles Have Decision to Make After Injury News
The Baltimore Orioles entered the offseason knowing that improving the bullpen would be one of their top priorities, and recent injury news has only made that task more complicated.
Baltimore spent much of the winter reshaping its relief corps after a difficult 2025 season. The bullpen struggled with consistency throughout the year, and the organization moved several relievers at the trade deadline as the club fell out of contention. Even after adding depth options and reworking the back end of the bullpen, the group still has several unanswered questions heading toward the start of the 2026 season.
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One of the most notable moves involved veteran reliever Andrew Kittredge. The Orioles reacquired the right‑hander from the Chicago Cubs after previously trading him at the 2025 deadline. Kittredge had been effective between both teams last season, posting a 3.40 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 53 innings of work.
However, Baltimore may have to move forward without him to begin the season.
Kittredge recently acknowledged that his availability for Opening Day is uncertain after he experienced right shoulder inflammation earlier this week, creating an immediate roster question for the Orioles bullpen.
The 35-year-old veteran pitcher addressed the situation directly when discussing the current state of his health. Kittredge said that being ready for Opening Day is "unrealistic" and that his right shoulder is "just a little cranky," according to Kyle Goon of The Baltimore Banner.
With that update, Baltimore now faces a clear decision: who will step into the bullpen role that Kittredge was expected to fill.
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Several spots in the relief group already appear relatively secure. Hard‑throwing closer Ryan Helsley is expected to anchor the back end, while reliable options like Yennier Cano, Keegan Akin, Tyler Wells, Dietrich Enns and Rico Garcia give Baltimore several established arms.
Still, at least two bullpen spots remain unsettled, and Kittredge's injury only increases the competition among the remaining candidates.
One possibility is Albert Suarez, who has previous starting and relief experience and could provide flexibility. Other pitchers competing for a role include Jackson Kowar, Grant Wolfram, Yaramil Hiraldo, Jose Espada, Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster.
Baltimore's front office will likely use spring training to evaluate which arms are most ready to contribute early in the season. With Kittredge expected to miss time, the Orioles may prioritize pitchers who can handle higher‑leverage situations or provide multiple innings.
For the Orioles, Kittredge's health update means that what once looked like a stable bullpen plan now includes another key decision before Opening Day arrives.
