Orioles lose closer Félix Bautista to the IL and trade Gregory Soto to the Mets in a July 2025 roster shakeup. Can they survive until Rutschman returns?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It feels like a classic 'one step forward, two steps back' moment for the Baltimore Orioles. Just as fans get hyped watching Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle mash in their rehab assignments, the team announced a major blow: closer Félix Bautista has been placed on the 15-day IL. Add in a trade that sends Gregory Soto to the Mets, and it's clear the Orioles are navigating a turbulent mid-season stretch, balancing present struggles with future hopes as they prepare to face the Rockies.
The Orioles traded LHP Gregory Soto to the New York Mets in exchange for RHP Wellington Aracena and RHP Cameron Foster, adding two more arms to an already deep farm system.
The biggest news shaking Birdland is the loss of closer Félix Bautista, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. The move, retroactive to July 21, sidelines one of the game's most dominant relievers and creates a massive hole at the back of the bullpen. To compound the bullpen churn, the Orioles also traded LHP Gregory Soto to the Mets for two pitching prospects, RHP Wellington Aracena and RHP Cameron Foster. While the trade bolsters the farm system, it removes another veteran arm from the current roster. Kade Strowd has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to help fill the void.
Just as the big-league club deals with key losses, the cavalry is getting ready to ride in from Norfolk. Catcher Adley Rutschman, out since June 21 with an oblique strain, is looking sharp on his rehab assignment, catching back-to-back games and hitting a double. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle is also making noise, launching a home run on July 24 in his own rehab stint. With Mountcastle expected back around July 30 and Rutschman not far behind, the heart of the Orioles' lineup is about to get a much-needed infusion of power and presence.
With all the roster movement, it's easy to forget there's a game to be played. The Orioles (45-58) host the Colorado Rockies (27-76) tonight, looking to snap a one-game skid after yesterday's 6-5 loss. Despite their struggles, the O's are heavy favorites (-265) and desperately need a win to get back on track. Players like Ramon Laureano and Ryan O'Hearn will need to carry the load offensively. The team also added fresh depth by selecting the contract of infielder Jeremiah Jackson from Triple-A Norfolk, giving the manager another option off the bench.
While the news of Bautista's injury stings, the Orioles' path forward is becoming clearer. The front office continues to build for sustained success with moves like the Soto trade, while the imminent return of All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman and slugger Ryan Mountcastle provides a massive shot in the arm for the current squad. Tonight's game against the Rockies is more than just another date on the calendar; it's a chance to stop the bleeding and build momentum as the team prepares for its stars to return.
