Orioles get good news on Kyle Bradish's recovery timeline

As the Baltimore Orioles navigate a 2025 season clouded with uncertainty surrounding their starting rotation, there remains one hopeful constant shared by both the fanbase and the front office: the eventual return of Kyle Bradish.

While nothing in baseball is ever guaranteed, writing off the Orioles as non-contenders would be premature and unrealistic. With the talent on their roster and the strides they’ve made in recent years, it would take a catastrophic collapse for them to fall completely out of the playoff conversation. That’s why Bradish’s recovery matters — not just as a feel-good story, but because even as a longshot, it could be a pivotal boost to the club’s postseason hopes.

MASNSports.com’s Roch Kubatko recently reported a promising update on Bradish's recovery process, offering some optimism for Orioles fans who’ve been holding their breath since the right-hander was sidelined with a UCL sprain.

Kyle Bradish recovery offers glimmer of hope for Orioles pitching in 2025

Still, as encouraging as the news may be, there are no guarantees. A successful rehab does not necessarily mean Bradish will pitch meaningful innings in an Orioles uniform this season. The team will need to be in contention and likely positioned for a postseason run in order to justify activating him late in the year.

Even if Bradish is cleared to return in 2025, it’s reasonable to expect that he’d be eased back into action — perhaps in a bullpen role or as a short-outing starter designed to limit stress on his arm. And if the Orioles find themselves outside of the playoff race when Bradish is ready, they may opt to play the long game, holding him out until 2026 to ensure a full recovery.

For now, the silver lining is this: Bradish is progressing without setbacks. That alone is a massive win for a rotation that has needed stability ever since his absence began.

The value Bradish brings to Baltimore’s pitching staff can’t be overstated. In 2023, he was nothing short of elite — posting a 2.83 ERA across 30 starts and finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting. He was the team’s most reliable arm, a true front-line starter who could match up with anyone in baseball.

Before landing on the injured list in 2024, Bradish picked up right where he left off. Through just eight starts, he compiled a 2.75 ERA and struck out 53 batters in 39.1 innings — all while quietly pitching through elbow discomfort. His resilience and drive to compete were evident every time he took the mound.

His eventual return, whenever it comes, will be a major boost for an Orioles team that still has October baseball in its sights.