Felix Bautista’s Anticipated Return
The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen is undergoing a transformation this season, largely due to the imminent return of Felix Bautista. After being sidelined for the latter part of the 2023 regular season and the entire 2024 campaign due to Tommy John surgery, Bautista’s comeback is eagerly awaited. The bullpen’s performance suffered last year, ranking 23rd in ERA at 4.22, a stark contrast to their fifth-place ranking with a 3.55 ERA the season before. With Bautista rejoining alongside Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto, acquired during the deadline, the Orioles are poised to field their strongest bullpen since their surge into contention a few years back.
A Crucial Spring Training Debut
Despite the optimism surrounding Bautista’s return, the Orioles have yet to confirm his availability for Opening Day. The team is using the spring training period to gradually build up Bautista’s readiness and ensure his elbow is fully healed. While all indications point to his recovery progressing well, Bautista has not yet pitched in a game setting. Manager Brandon Hyde has revealed plans for Bautista to make his spring training debut against the Boston Red Sox, a significant milestone in his comeback journey. Although the expectation is for Bautista to be activated for the Opening Day roster, the Orioles are cautious about rushing his return without sufficient game-time preparation.
Balancing Act for Bautista’s Return
As Bautista gears up for his first spring training appearance, the Orioles face the delicate task of managing his workload. Finding the right balance between shaking off rust and avoiding overuse to prevent arm fatigue and setbacks is crucial. Decisions regarding Bautista’s usage throughout the spring will be carefully considered to ensure his long-term health and performance. Despite the uncertainties, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the elite reliever back on the mound, marking a significant milestone in his journey back to the Orioles’ bullpen.
