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Orioles reunite with former All-Star arm who impressed during spring training

A familiar face from spring training just rejoined the Orioles to give them some needed depth.

By Eric Cole

Mar 11, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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In an ideal world, the Baltimore Orioles would have John Means fully healthy which would give them a formidable rotation the rest of the way, even if they didn't add a starter at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, that was not to be, as Means just had his second Tommy John surgery, leaving the Orioles dangerously low on starter depth.

For some Orioles fans, they were hoping that Means' injury could mean one or both of Baltimore's top pitching prospects, Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott, could get a look in the Orioles' rotation. However, it appears as though the team is going to potentially try out a short-term solution before pulling the trigger on either of those guys, as they signed Julio Teheran to a minor league deal.

Orioles News: Baltimore signs Julio Teheran to minor league deal

Teheran is a familiar name to Orioles fans, as he made a pretty good impression during spring training. While Baltimore ultimately decided not to carry him on their big league roster and he ended up latching on with the Mets for a bit, Teheran clearly showed enough during his time with the team that they felt as though bringing him aboard could be wise in the wake of these pitching injuries.

Tempering one's expectations with Teheran is probably wise, and his best role on a good team may be as a spot starter and Triple-A depth piece. He was an All-Star with the Braves in 2014 and 2016, but he has struggled in recent years with injuries and ineffectiveness, and he is definitely a shadow of his former self. Still, he is a veteran arm that has seen it all, so adding him as a depth piece is very reasonable.

If Teheran pitches well in the minors, he will probably fill in from time to time in the big leagues. If he struggles, the odds increase significantly that Baltimore will have to turn to one of their young arms going forward. Either way, this move buys the Orioles a bit of time to make sure those two are ready before they get called up.

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