The Baltimore Orioles are not ready to rule out the possibility of All-Star reliever Félix Bautista playing again in 2023. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Orioles general manager Mike Elias confirmed that Bautista is dealing with a partial UCL tear in his right elbow but said that the 28-year-old player could still be available for the postseason.
Bautista landed on Injured Reserve in late August after feeling discomfort in his right elbow. According to Elias, Bautista is currently throwing, and the team will take some time to decide on his availability.
“I don’t have any knowledge about where exactly this is leading other than we can take this time right now to take that conservative approach and allow him to throw,” said Elias.
The Orioles don’t need Bautista just yet, as they comfortably sit at the top of AL East with a 91-52 record. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have three games in hand over the second-placed Tampa Bay Rays. However, Bautista is a difference-maker, and his return for the postseason would significantly increase Baltimore’s chances to make a deep run.
Bautista, who made his first All-Star appearance this season, is 8-2 in 2023, having played 56 games and finished 46. He has 33 saves with a 1.48 ERA and 110 strikeouts.
