Unfortunately, the odds that the Baltimore Orioles will be able to turn things around in time to make a run at the postseason in 2025 are astronomically low. While not technically eliminated at 55-66 as of August 15, being 15.5 games back in the AL East and 9 games out of the wild card race in the middle of August are margins that are rarely overcome. However, there are still reasons to keep following along with the Orioles the rest of the way, with Kyle Bradish's rehab progress being just one example.
Bradish was looking like he could potentially become a frontline starter before needing Tommy John surgery back in 2024. It has been a long road back from surgery for Bradish, but Orioles fans started getting some promising updates on his recovery back in July when he started throwing bullpens.
Now, after multiple rehab starts, including his latest appearance, where Bradish dominated, Baltimore fans may finally have something to look forward to in addition to having a glimmer of hope for the Orioles' beleaguered pitching staff.
Kyle Bradish looks very close to picking up where he left off before Tommy John
Given that Bradish has now made five rehab appearances and his last one saw him throw five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, his return to the big leagues is imminent. Even the Orioles wouldn't keep him in the minors past the maximum minor league rehab length and use a minor league option to do so.
Assuming Bradish throws well upon his return, it would take some of the pressure off the Orioles' front office. They absolutely should still target an impact starter during the offseason, but a healthy and effective Bradish would make it a lot easier to get by without going after multiple quality arms.
Guys with talent like Bradish's should be dominating minor league hitters, assuming they are healthy, but the real test will be how Bradish performs against big leaguers and if he can sustain it over multiple starts. If Bradish can do that and be the guy it looked like he was on his way to being before he got hurt, 2026 will look even more promising for the Orioles.