Major Setback For Orioles: Closer Bautista To Miss Most Of 2026

James

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Post on Aug 21, 2025

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Major Setback for Orioles: Closer Félix Bautista to Miss Most of 2026 Season

Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Orioles suffered a significant blow today with the announcement that star closer Félix Bautista will miss the majority of the 2026 season due to a serious elbow injury. The news sent shockwaves through the organization and left fans reeling, casting a shadow over what was expected to be another strong year for the contending Orioles.

The team announced that Bautista underwent a successful Tommy John surgery earlier this week. While the surgery itself went as planned, the recovery timeline is expected to be extensive, ruling him out for the vast majority of the upcoming season. This is a devastating blow for a team that heavily relies on Bautista's dominant presence in the ninth inning.

<h3>Bautista's Impact on the Orioles</h3>

Bautista has quickly become one of baseball's most feared closers. His blazing fastball, often topping 100 mph, and devastating slider have made him nearly unhittable. In 2025, he recorded [insert 2025 stats here, e.g., 30 saves, a sub-2.00 ERA], solidifying his role as the team's anchor and a key contributor to their playoff push. His absence will undoubtedly create a significant void in the Orioles bullpen.

Losing a closer of Bautista's caliber is a major setback for any team, but especially for the Orioles who are aiming for a deep playoff run in 2026. His absence will force Manager Brandon Hyde to shuffle his bullpen significantly, potentially relying more heavily on existing setup men like [mention potential replacement relievers, e.g., Yennier Cano, Mychal Givens] or exploring trade options.

<h3>The Road to Recovery</h3>

The recovery from Tommy John surgery is notoriously long and arduous. While the Orioles haven't given a precise return date, the typical recovery time ranges from 12-18 months. This means Bautista is unlikely to return until late in the 2026 season, at the earliest.

The team will be providing updates on Bautista's progress throughout his rehabilitation. The focus now shifts to supporting Bautista during his recovery and ensuring he returns to full strength when the time comes. This includes a comprehensive rehabilitation program overseen by the Orioles' medical staff.

<h3>What This Means for the Orioles' 2026 Season</h3>

The Orioles' front office faces a critical decision. They must now assess their bullpen depth and determine whether they need to make roster moves to compensate for Bautista's absence. This could involve exploring trade options for established relievers or promoting promising young talent from their minor league system.

While the injury is undoubtedly a significant setback, the Orioles have shown resilience in the past. Their strong farm system and overall team talent should help them navigate this challenge. The coming months will be crucial in how the team adapts and adjusts its strategy for the 2026 season.

Keywords: Félix Bautista, Orioles, Tommy John surgery, MLB, baseball, closer, injury, 2026 season, Baltimore Orioles, bullpen, baseball news, sports news

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