The start to last year’s spring training was the most anticipated in years after the Orioles had acquired former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes just two weeks earlier.
But the Day 1 news that 2023 ace Kyle Bradish wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day because of a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow tamped down the excitement. Of course, the injury ultimately resulted in the 28-year-old making just eight starts in 2024 before he underwent Tommy John surgery last June. Bradish and fellow right-hander Tyler Wells continue to rehab from their respective elbow reconstruction surgeries and aren’t expected to return to major league action until some point after the All-Star break — if all goes to plan.
On Thursday, general manager Mike Elias had no such season-altering revelations, but he announced shortstop Jorge Mateo (left elbow) and left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers (knee) wouldn’t be ready for the 2025 season opener in Toronto on March 27. Mateo isn’t yet fully recovered from surgery on his non-throwing elbow last August after he dislocated it in a collision with teammate Gunnar Henderson.
Elias told reporters in Sarasota that Rogers, 27, suffered a partial dislocation of his right kneecap while working out last month. Acquired from Miami in exchange for outfielder Kyle Stowers and infielder Connor Norby at last year’s trade deadline, Rogers was considered unlikely to make the 26-man roster out of camp after he pitched to a 7.11 ERA in four starts last August, struggles that resulted in him being demoted to Triple-A Norfolk for the remainder of the season.
Now 16 months removed from Tommy John surgery, 2023 All-Star closer Felix Bautista continues to complete bullpen sessions and has a “very good chance” of being ready for Opening Day, according to Elias. However, the Orioles are also “going to take it slow” ramping him up to pitching in Grapefruit League games later in the spring.
