Orioles Closer Félix Bautista Placed on Injured List Just Days Before MLB Trade Deadline, Complicating Baltimore’s Bullpen and Trade Plans

Just days before the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles have been dealt a major blow to their bullpen—and potentially their postseason hopes—as All-Star closer Félix Bautista was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Bautista, one of the most dominant closers in baseball when healthy, was expected to be a key piece for the Orioles’ playoff push or—if the team chose to sell—a valuable trade asset. Instead, his injury status now throws Baltimore’s deadline strategy into flux and raises serious questions about both the bullpen’s depth and Bautista’s long-term health.

Here’s a breakdown of what Bautista’s injury means for the Orioles, how it affects their trade deadline plans, and what internal or external options they have to close games without their flamethrowing anchor.

Injury Details: What We Know

Bautista left his last appearance grimacing after a fastball sailed high and out of the zone. After consulting with the training staff and undergoing initial imaging, the Orioles announced he had “right elbow discomfort” and would be placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to July 23.

According to sources familiar with the team’s medical staff, there is no immediate indication of a torn UCL or need for Tommy John surgery, but further tests—including an MRI—are scheduled later this week to rule out structural damage.

While the team is optimistic the issue is precautionary, elbow injuries to pitchers—especially those who throw triple-digit fastballs like Bautista—are always cause for concern.

Bautista’s 2025 Performance: Elite Once Again

Before the injury, Félix Bautista had returned to his dominant form in 2025 after missing most of the 2024 season recovering from a partial UCL tear. In 42 appearances this year, he posted:

• ERA: 1.96

• WHIP: 0.94

• Saves: 24

• Strikeouts: 66 in 41.1 innings

• Opposing batting average: .173

He was consistently overpowering hitters with a 100+ mph fastball and wipeout splitter, and had firmly re-established himself as one of the top three closers in the American League.

His presence not only shortened games for the Orioles but gave the team an identity of fearlessness in close contests. Losing him, even temporarily, is a massive setback.

How the Injury Impacts Baltimore’s Trade Deadline Approach

Just a week ago, the Orioles were navigating the trade deadline with multiple pathways open. They could buy—adding a starting pitcher or outfield bat—or they could sell selectively, perhaps offloading veterans like Zach Eflin or Ryan O’Hearn while still competing.

Now, Bautista’s injury forces Baltimore to reconsider multiple scenarios:

1. Selling Becomes Riskier

If the Orioles were leaning toward selling to retool for 2026, Bautista may have been a valuable piece to move—especially with two years of club control remaining. Contenders would have paid a premium for a closer of his caliber, even with health history.

But with another injury, his trade value drops sharply, and selling now could mean losing leverage in return packages.

2. Buying Requires a Bullpen Arm

If Baltimore still wants to compete for a Wild Card spot in 2025, they must now pivot to acquiring relief help—perhaps even a replacement closer, depending on Bautista’s timeline. Internal options exist (more on that later), but few have the same presence or reliability.

The Orioles could become more aggressive buyers on the relief market, targeting names like:

• Kenley Jansen (Red Sox)

• Tanner Scott (Marlins)

• Paul Sewald (Diamondbacks)

• David Bednar (Pirates, though costly)

3. Standing Pat Feels Risky

Doing nothing is the least attractive option. With Bautista out and the deadline looming, simply hoping he returns soon and holding the roster intact might lead to a fade in the standings and a lost opportunity on the market.

GM Mike Elias has tough calls to make in the next 72 hours.

Internal Replacements: Who Closes Without Bautista?

While no one can replicate what Bautista brings, the Orioles do have in-house arms who could step up in the ninth inning role temporarily.

Yennier Canó

The most obvious candidate. Canó was an All-Star in 2023 and has had a resurgent season in 2025. He’s worked in high-leverage spots and has a calm demeanor under pressure. This year, Canó holds a 2.89 ERA with 9 saves and a WHIP under 1.00. He lacks Bautista’s velocity but commands his sinker-slider combo well.

Danny Coulombe

The veteran lefty is more of a setup man but has been lights-out against lefties. In matchups where the opposing team sends three straight lefties to the plate in the 9th, Coulombe could be a matchup-based closer option.

Keegan Akin or Dillon Tate

Both have closing experience at the minor league level, but neither is considered a reliable closer in a pennant race. If Elias stands pat, one of them may get a chance—but expect a closer-by-committee until further notice.

Trade Market for Closers: What’s Available?

If Elias chooses to go outside the organization, the 2025 trade deadline offers some intriguing names. Some are rental options, others are more long-term solutions:

Any of these arms would stabilize the Orioles’ bullpen while Bautista is out and could continue to serve as high-leverage options if/when he returns.

What This Means for Bautista’s Future

The Orioles have invested heavily in Félix Bautista’s long-term health, and they aren’t likely to rush him back unless he’s fully cleared. With two years of club control left after this season, the front office’s biggest fear is pushing him too hard in a lost season and risking a career-altering injury.

If imaging shows no ligament damage, expect the Orioles to proceed cautiously—perhaps even shutting him down temporarily beyond the minimum IL stint. If surgery is needed, the long-term trajectory of the bullpen and the team itself changes dramatically.

Player and Team Reaction

Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said:

“Félix has been everything we hoped for this season, and we’re being cautious here. We want him healthy for the long haul—not just the next two weeks.”

Veteran reliever Yennier Canó added:

“We’re going to keep fighting. No one replaces Félix, but we have arms that can step up.”

The Orioles’ clubhouse remains optimistic, but there’s no denying that the team’s heartbeat has been paused with Bautista sidelined.

Félix Bautista’s injury has changed the tone in Baltimore. Once viewed as an X-factor for October, he’s now a question mark, casting uncertainty over the Orioles’ trade deadline approach, bullpen structure, and long-term outlook.

In the coming days, Mike Elias must decide:

• Do you trade for a closer and try to compete without Bautista?

• Do you sell pieces and preserve Bautista’s arm for 2026?

• Or do you try to thread the needle—buying and selling in a soft retool?

Whatever the path, one thing is clear: Félix Bautista’s absence has complicated everything—and the Orioles must now respond swiftly and strategically to keep their season alive.