Orioles vs. Guardians postponed on 7/23, but the big news is Kyle Bradish's return. Get the latest on his and other key pitcher injury updates for Baltimore.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
A steady downpour in Cleveland washed away Wednesday's game against the Guardians, but for Orioles fans, the most significant news wasn't happening at Progressive Field. While the team's record sits at a frustrating 44-56, a wave of positive updates from the trainer's room is providing a much-needed beacon of hope, signaling that crucial pitching reinforcements are finally on the horizon.
The Orioles have lost four of their last six games and remain in fourth place in the AL East.
The biggest news of the day is the imminent return of Kyle Bradish to a pitcher's mound. The right-hander, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is officially scheduled for his first rehab start with the High-A Aberdeen IronBirds on July 24. It's a monumental step in his recovery. He's not alone on the comeback trail; LHP Cade Povich is slated for another rehab start in Triple-A Norfolk this week as he works back from hip inflammation, and RHP Tyler Wells is targeting a mid-August return after throwing live batting practice. The support from the clubhouse was palpable, with players and the team's social media accounts sharing messages of encouragement for the recovering pitchers.
The scheduled series finale against the Cleveland Guardians was officially postponed due to inclement weather. No makeup date has been announced yet. The washout leaves the Orioles stuck on a sour note from the previous night's 6-3 loss, a game that saw the offense struggle to keep pace. The unexpected day off gives the team a moment to reset before continuing their road trip, but it does little to change their 44-56 record.
The postponement comes amid a tough stretch for the Birds, who have now dropped four of their last six contests and remain lodged in fourth place in the AL East. With the trade deadline approaching, the front office has been quiet, with no new transactions reported. This suggests the team's biggest mid-season boost may have to come from within via the return of players like Bradish and Povich. On the field, Gunnar Henderson continues to be a bright spot, leading the team in home runs, while top prospect Jackson Holliday has seen his batting average dip to .260 as he navigates his first full big-league season.
While a rainy day in Cleveland delayed the on-field action, it couldn't postpone the growing optimism. With no makeup date set for the Guardians game, all eyes now turn to High-A Aberdeen on Thursday to watch Kyle Bradish take the mound. It's a single rehab start, but for a team searching for a spark, it feels like a significant turning point. The present might be a struggle, but the future, powered by returning arms, is looking brighter.
