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The Baltimore Orioles have faced another setback in their pitching rotation as left-handed starter John Means was recently placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) due to a left forearm strain. This injury comes just two years after Means underwent Tommy John surgery, highlighting the challenges he has faced in maintaining his health.
The Injury History
Means’ recent forearm strain is not an isolated incident. In the spring of 2024, he suffered a forearm injury that limited him to only four starts during the current season. Prior to that, Means had dealt with an elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. As a result, he made just six combined starts across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Despite these setbacks, when healthy, Means has been an effective pitcher. His career ERA+ of 123 demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level. However, staying on the field has proven elusive for the 31-year-old lefty. Since his major league debut in 2018, he has yet to log a qualifying number of innings in a single season.
Impact on the Orioles
The loss of John Means is a blow to the Orioles’ rotation, which had recently seen the return of other pitchers like Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez. While offseason acquisition Corbin Burnes provides a frontline presence, depth remains a concern. The Orioles, currently sitting at 29-18, are firmly in wild-card contention and within striking distance of the Yankees in the AL East standings. However, they may need to explore rotation help leading up to the July 30 trade deadline.
Looking Ahead
As Means recovers from his forearm strain, the Orioles will need to adapt and find ways to maintain their competitive edge. The challenges of keeping pitchers healthy are ever-present, and Means’ situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between performance and injury prevention in professional baseball.
In the meantime, the Orioles will rely on their remaining arms to continue their pursuit of a postseason berth. Fans and analysts alike will closely monitor Means’ progress, hoping for a swift return to the mound and a resurgence in his performance.
