Orioles Bullpen Faces Uncertainty After Felix Bautista Shoulder Injury

The Baltimore Orioles are facing significant uncertainty in their bullpen as star closer Felix Bautista is likely to miss an extended period due to right shoulder swelling, with no structural damage but an unclear diagnosis pending further scans. Bautista, who returned strong after Tommy John surgery, has been placed on the injured list and is expected to be out for weeks, making a trade at the MLB deadline unlikely despite interest from teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. This injury complicates the Orioles' bullpen restocking plans, especially with other relievers like Seranthony Dominguez already traded and only a few bullpen members from Opening Day remaining on the roster. Interim manager Tony Mansolino indicated that Bautista’s absence will leave the team without their top closer for the rest of the season, with Dominguez potentially handling most save opportunities. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays, who are finishing a series with the Orioles, have reported progress on some injured players, including George Springer and Alejandro Kirk, but key reliever Yimi Garcia remains a week away from returning. Overall, the Orioles are set for a challenging offseason to rebuild their bullpen and return to contention in 2026.