Orioles Reliever Albert Suárez Out ‘Months’: Impact on Baltimore’s Bullpen

By Oliver Wiener July 02, 2025 05:43

The Baltimore Orioles suffered a significant setback as reliever Albert Suárez was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right subscapularis strain, forcing the veteran right-hander onto the 60-day injured list and sidelining him for several months. This injury, stemming from shoulder inflammation first noticed during Spring Training, has left the Orioles scrambling to fill a crucial void in their pitching staff.

Suárez, 35, was a versatile and valuable piece for Baltimore in 2024, appearing in 32 games with 24 starts and eight relief appearances. He posted a respectable 3.70 ERA over 133⅔ innings, showcasing his ability to swing between starting and relieving roles effectively. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde called the injury a “big blow,” emphasizing how important Suárez’s contributions were to the team’s pitching depth.

The injury first manifested during Suárez’s final Grapefruit League outing on March 21, when he felt soreness in his right shoulder but initially thought it was normal tightness. He made his season debut on March 28 against the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching 2⅔ innings but showing decreased velocity. Two days later, he was placed on the 15-day injured list, which was later extended to 60 days after an MRI revealed the severity of the subscapularis strain.

Hyde acknowledged the long recovery ahead, stating,

“It’s going to be months. Hopefully just a few months, but it’s really unfortunate news.”

Suárez himself expressed cautious optimism, saying,

“You just have to deal with it. It takes time always to heal. Hopefully, I’ll be able to heal faster and be able to come back stronger.”

The right subscapularis strain affects a key muscle involved in shoulder rotation and stability, critical for a pitcher’s delivery. While surgery is not expected, the rehabilitation process requires rest and gradual strengthening, with Suárez currently shut down from throwing and undergoing a structured rehab program.

Baltimore’s front office has already taken steps to mitigate the impact of Suárez’s absence. The Orioles acquired left-handed pitcher Grant Wolfram from the Milwaukee Brewers and added him to the 40-man roster, assigning him to Triple-A Norfolk. This move aims to bolster pitching depth as the team navigates the extended absence of Suárez.

The loss of Suárez complicates Baltimore’s bullpen and rotation plans. Last season, Suárez’s ability to oscillate between starting and relieving provided manager Brandon Hyde with valuable flexibility. His platoon splits and reliable innings helped stabilize the pitching staff during critical stretches.

The Orioles currently face uncertainty in their rotation and bullpen roles. Young arms like Cade Povich and Brandon Young may see increased opportunities, with Hyde noting Povich as a potential option for a fifth starter spot. The team’s ability to develop internal options and possibly explore trade market additions will be crucial in maintaining competitiveness.

In summary, Albert Suárez’s injury is a significant challenge for the Orioles’ pitching staff, removing a versatile and dependable arm for an extended period. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, Baltimore’s proactive roster moves and depth in young pitching prospects provide some cushion. The team’s focus now turns to managing workloads and fostering emerging talent as they await Suárez’s eventual comeback, hoping he returns stronger to help Baltimore’s push in the 2025 season.