The Baltimore Orioles have placed their star closer Félix Bautista on the injured list with “some degree of injury” to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), general manager Mike Elias announced on Saturday.
Bautista left Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies with two outs in the ninth inning, after throwing a 102 mph fastball to Michael Toglia. He was one strike away from securing a 5-4 comeback win for the Orioles, who lead the American League East by three games over the Tampa Bay Rays.
The severity of Bautista’s injury is not yet known, and he will undergo further tests to determine if he needs Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for most or all of the 2024 season.
Bautista, 28, has been one of the best relievers in baseball this year, posting a 1.48 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and 110 strikeouts in 61 innings. He has converted 33 of 39 save opportunities and made his first All-Star appearance in July.
The Orioles will likely turn to fellow All-Star Yennier Cano as their primary closer in Bautista’s absence. Cano has a 2.12 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP and 87 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings. Left-hander Danny Coulombe, who recorded the final out on Friday, could also see some save chances.
Bautista’s injury is a major blow to the Orioles’ hopes of winning their first division title since 2014 and making a deep run in the postseason. The Orioles have been one of the surprise teams of the year, thanks to their potent offense and dominant bullpen.
