Baltimore Orioles plans take hit with John Means injury
The Baltimore Orioles had one player they could count on in their starting rotation. John Means has established himself as a potential building block for the Orioles, a solid major league arm on a team that is essentially devoid of that type of player. He is the type of player that, if the Orioles intend on building a competitive team in the near future, should receive a long term extension.
Those plans may be on hold for now. Means had already been placed on the Injured List with a sprained left elbow, but has now been transferred to the 60 day IL. Even with that change in designation, he will be undergoing more tests to determine the extent of the injury.
Baltimore Orioles not expecting John Means back any time soon
What is clear is that the Orioles are not expecting that Means will return any time soon. Not only are sprained elbows typically a precursor for Tommy John surgery, but even if he does not go under the knife, Means will be in for a lengthy rest and rehab stint as he works his way back to form.
It is a tough blow for the Orioles both this season and looking ahead. While Baltimore was not going to contend at all, Means has emerged as their ace. He has posted a 3.72 ERA and a 1.076 WHiP in his 353.1 innings since the start of the 2019 season, striking out 304 batters with 73 walks.
Although that may not be the production of a typical staff ace, it is in Baltimore. Any team that is willingly sending Jordan Lyles out as their second starter has a lot to be desired when it comes to their rotation. Help is on the way as Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall are expected to make their major league debuts this season, but the Orioles need more.
Means would have been a perfect piece to have in the rotation as that duo gets themselves acclimated to the majors. He would have been able to take some of the pressure off of them as they look to be part of Baltimore’s future core. Instead, there is no guarantee as to when Means will be back, if he even returns this season.
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The Baltimore Orioles are facing a major loss with John Means. Even if they were not going to contend this year, his presence could have made a difference.