The Orioles entered Thursday ranked 25th in the majors in bullpen ERA (4.88) and twice blew the save in their eventual 8-4 win over Milwaukee in 11 innings to snap an eight-game losing streak.
But Wednesday’s victory also brought two of the most welcome developments of the season for Baltimore’s group of relievers. And while that’s not likely to save a 2025 campaign that’s spiraled out of control before Memorial Day, the late-place Orioles will take all the good news they can get these days.
First was the season debut of right-hander Andrew Kittredge, who tossed a perfect seventh inning in his first regular-season action since undergoing knee surgery in early March. The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $10 million contract in mid-January to serve as a high-leverage reliever after posting a 2.80 ERA with St. Louis last year and a 3.44 mark over his first eight major league seasons. His addition was supposed to be a big part of protecting leads in the later innings.
At the very least, a couple strong months for Kittredge would make him an attractive piece for suitors at the trade deadline, but Baltimore holding a $9 million team option for 2026 adds intrigue to his situation. If the veteran pitches well and the Orioles want to regroup quickly to contend next season, general manager Mike Elias trading him for little in return wouldn’t make much sense. Of course, if Kittredge doesn’t pitch well, his status would be inconsequential and Baltimore would likely exercise its $1 million buyout after the 2025 campaign.
The other interesting development from Wednesday’s win was closer Felix Bautista pitching back-to-back days for the first time since returning from his 2023 Tommy John surgery. The timing of checking such a box in a day game after a night game was questionable after the 29-year-old had thrown 26 pitches less than 24 hours earlier, and Bautista struggled to throw strikes and blew his first save of the season in the midst of throwing 24 more pitches in the finale against the Brewers. Before Thursday’s postponement, he certainly wasn’t going to be available to pitch in the opener in Boston, and you wonder if he’ll be available for Friday’s doubleheader.
How he responds physically is paramount to the big picture.
You hope this is a big step toward handling Bautista as a “normal” reliever again. The Orioles have been trying to thread the needle of saving him for the occasions when they’ve been leading late in games — not very many, of course — while recognizing the need to get him regular work. In the midst of the club’s woeful May, Bautista had made just four appearances all month before his Tuesday and Wednesday outings. With the restriction on pitching back-to-back days seemingly lifted, the hope is you’ll see a sharper Bautista cut down on the walks after issuing five over his last three appearances.
Of course, Bautista’s choppy start is far from the only bullpen concern with 2023 All-Star selection Yennier Cano sporting a 12.79 ERA in May, ex-closer Seranthony Dominguez pitching to an unimpressive 4.50 ERA, and lefty Cionel Perez being relegated to low leverage after a disastrous opening month. It says much about the state of affairs when the most reliable relievers have been Bryan Baker — who’s been quite good despite allowing four home runs — and Keegan Akin through the first two months.
The Orioles hope Kittredge’s return and more conventional handling of Bautista will improve the bullpen’s overall makeup and effectiveness.
