Tyler Wells: Baltimore Orioles Stalwart from Bullpen to Rotation

Even a casual baseball fan can see how Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Tyler Wells can easily make an impact on the mound. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing in over 250 pounds, Wells leaves an immediate impression on both fans and opposing batters simply with his presence.

Tyler Wells took a circuitous route to become a dependable member of the Orioles pitching rotation. Plucked out of the Minnesota Twins organization, Wells proved himself last year as one of the few relief pitchers to start and end the season with the Baltimore Orioles (along with fellow closer Dillon Tate.)

With a 110 loss season in 2021, Wells was able to  solidify a spot on the O’s roster through attrition. Wells is a former Cal State San Bernardino pitcher who got drafted by the Twins in the 15th round of the 2016 MLB draft and his  big break came as the Orioles selected him in the second round of the Rule 5 draft at the end of 2020.

During the 2021 season, only Cole Sulser (63.1) and Dillon Tate (67.2) threw more innings that Tyler Wells –  a  testament that this former Twins minor league journeyman had found a home at Camden Yards.

Tyler Wells: Baltimore Orioles Stalwart from Bullpen to Rotation

Wells finished up the 2021 season with 44 appearances including 57 innings and 18 games wrapped up.  Wells completed the year with a .912 WHIP; however, his ERA did balloon up to 4.11 but if you take the Baltimore Orioles 2021 season as a whole, that’s not a real surprise as the O’s heavily relied on their dwindling bullpen to finish out games that were all but lost.

One of the biggest fears for Wells is the ability for opposing batters to tee off on his pitches as he gave up nine dingers in those same 57 innings pitched. With a a fastball well into the 95 mph range, a decent slider and some curves and sinkers thrown in to mix up pitches, Wells looks to continue in his role as a starting pitcher even though he’s had a relatively rough April and May.

Wells currently posts a 2-4 record with a 3.71 ERA but has brought down the homers with only one ball going yard in over 43 innings this season. Wells also posts a WHIP of just 1.08 with 28 strikeouts to only seven walks so far.  As the weather continues to warm up, let’s hope that Tyler Wells continues to develop into a top-caliber starting pitcher for the Orioles.