On Rehab Assignment, Orioles’ Kyle Bradish Makes First Official Return to Game Action Since Elbow Injury Sidelined Him in 2024.

The Baltimore Orioles received a much-needed dose of optimism this week, as starting pitcher Kyle Bradish officially returned to game action for the first time since his 2024 elbow injury. Bradish took the mound in a minor league rehab assignment, beginning what the organization and fans hope will be a smooth journey back to full health and eventual MLB contribution down the stretch of a tightly contested American League playoff race.

Bradish, 28, has not pitched in a professional game since late 2024 when a partial UCL tear in his right elbow put him on the shelf. While he avoided Tommy John surgery, the injury required extensive rehab and a meticulous throwing program that has spanned several months. His recent return to a competitive setting represents a significant milestone not only in his recovery but for an Orioles rotation that has missed his presence.

The Road Back Begins

Bradish made his long-awaited return during a start for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides on Tuesday night. Pitching under a closely monitored pitch count, he threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, striking out two, and walking none. More importantly, he looked composed, comfortable, and pain-free.

“It felt great just to be out there again, competing,” Bradish said after the outing. “It’s been a long road, but tonight was a huge step. I’m thankful for the support I’ve gotten from the Orioles organization and excited to keep building up from here.”

The Orioles’ training staff and front office have worked diligently to bring Bradish along at a deliberate pace, understanding the importance of not rushing him back too quickly, especially given his role in the team’s long-term plans. Tuesday’s performance, while brief, was encouraging and should serve as a springboard for additional rehab outings over the next couple of weeks.

Why Bradish Matters to Baltimore

In 2023, Kyle Bradish emerged as one of Baltimore’s most reliable and effective starting pitchers. He finished the season with a 12-7 record, 3.07 ERA, and 168 strikeouts over 168 2/3 innings. His breakout campaign helped solidify an Orioles rotation that supported the team’s rise from rebuilding hopeful to postseason contender.

Bradish’s repertoire, which includes a mid-90s fastball, tight slider, and deceptive curve, made him a tough matchup for hitters on both sides of the plate. His command and ability to pitch deep into games often gave Baltimore’s bullpen a breather, something the team sorely missed in the early months of 2025.

Without Bradish anchoring the middle of the rotation, the Orioles have leaned heavily on veterans like Corbin Burnes and emerging arms such as Grayson Rodriguez. While those two have been largely effective, the depth has been tested by injuries and inconsistency from other starters. Bradish’s return could not come at a better time.

Trade Deadline Implications

The timing of Bradish’s rehab assignment is particularly important considering the looming MLB trade deadline. The Orioles are expected to be buyers this year, with bullpen help, a right-handed bat, and possibly a starting pitcher on their wish list. However, if Bradish can return to form by mid-August, it might alter the front office’s calculus.

Rather than overpay for a rental starter, Orioles general manager Mike Elias could view Bradish as a “deadline addition” from within—an internal upgrade who knows the staff, the system, and the clubhouse. That could allow the Orioles to shift their focus more aggressively toward bullpen targets or bench bats while keeping long-term assets intact.

“We’re hopeful Kyle can contribute meaningfully in the second half,” Elias told reporters last week. “He’s working hard, and we’re optimistic based on where he’s at. But we’ll continue to monitor how he progresses.”

Teammates Excited for Return

In the Orioles’ clubhouse, news of Bradish’s return was met with excitement and a bit of relief. Many of his teammates have seen firsthand how hard he has worked to get back and know how impactful he can be when healthy.

“He’s a gamer,” catcher Adley Rutschman said. “Getting him back would be huge. He’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve caught, and I know he’s been itching to return.”

Grayson Rodriguez echoed that sentiment: “We’re all pulling for him. Our rotation’s been solid, but having Bradish back gives us a big boost. It’s like getting a top-tier guy midseason without having to give anything up.”

Next Steps in the Rehab Process

Though Bradish’s first rehab outing went smoothly, the Orioles will not rush the process. He is expected to make at least two more starts in the minors before the team considers activating him from the injured list. The next appearance will likely stretch him to 40-50 pitches with a focus on regaining rhythm, refining mechanics, and continuing to build arm strength.

There are also logistics to work out regarding where Bradish fits into the rotation. Should he return around mid-August, the Orioles could opt for a six-man rotation to ease his workload and manage innings for younger pitchers. Alternatively, they could slide Bradish into the No. 3 or No. 4 spot and shift someone else to long relief or spot starter duties.

Big Picture for the Orioles

The Orioles entered late July neck-and-neck with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings. Every game matters, and depth in the rotation will play a critical role in separating contenders from pretenders. Bradish, if healthy, gives the Orioles a playoff-tested, high-upside arm capable of matching up with opposing aces in a postseason series.

With Corbin Burnes leading the rotation and Grayson Rodriguez continuing his ascent, Bradish’s return could give Baltimore one of the most formidable top threes in the American League. It also adds insurance should any of the current starters falter or suffer injuries in the dog days of August and September.

Fan Reaction and Optimism

Baltimore fans, starved for consistent pitching during the rebuilding years, have embraced Bradish’s return as a potential turning point in the season. Social media was abuzz with clips from his rehab start, with fans cheering his velocity readings and nasty sliders.

“This is huge. Our guy’s back!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Get ready AL East, we’re not playing around anymore.”

For a franchise that has built through youth and patience, seeing a homegrown talent like Bradish overcome injury and return in time for a playoff push represents everything the Orioles have been working toward.

While there’s still work ahead and nothing is guaranteed, Kyle Bradish’s return to the mound is a welcome sight for the Orioles and their fans. His presence could be a game-changer both in the rotation and in terms of how Baltimore approaches the trade deadline.

If his rehab continues without setbacks and his stuff looks sharp, the Orioles may have just added one of the best midseason arms in the league—without surrendering a single prospect.

As Bradish put it best, “It’s not just about getting back. It’s about helping this team win. That’s the only goal now.”