The Baltimore Orioles have made it clear that Tyler Wells will begin the 2026 season pitching out of the bullpen. Manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that the right-hander, who has a mix of starting experience and injury setbacks, will assume a relief role to bolster the team’s pitching staff. This decision comes as the Orioles aim to maximize Wells’ effectiveness while managing his recent health history.
Wells, who has pitched 43 starts between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, faced challenges with elbow injuries limiting him to just seven appearances over the past two years. His shift to a bullpen role is partly motivated by the need to cover for reliever Andrew Kittredge, who is sidelined due to right shoulder inflammation and currently appears unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.
Orioles Enhance Rotation but Shift Wells to Relief Duties
During the offseason, Baltimore prioritized strengthening their starting rotation, acquiring Shane Baz early and signing Chris Bassitt in February. Initially, it seemed possible Wells might remain as a sixth starter or be deployed as depth in case of injuries. However, as the team filled out its rotation, Wells spent spring training working in relief, often pitching short, one-inning segments.
With Kittredge’s injury uncertainty, Wells’ role in the bullpen has become more critical. His presence offers the Orioles flexibility in managing the innings and roles within their pitching staff during the early part of the season.
Tyler Wells’ Pitching Profile and Adaptability
At 31 years old, Wells stands out physically at 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds. Despite his imposing frame, his fastball velocity generally peaks in the lower 90s mph range. Wells compensates with a well-rounded arsenal, using a near-even mix of four-seam fastballs and changeups, supplemented by a slider, cutter, and occasional curveball.
He avoids issuing walks and excels at forcing hitters to chase pitches, often attacking with early strikes. His experience as a starter combined with this pitch variety makes him a promising candidate for high-leverage relief situations. Moreover, his physicality will present an unusual challenge for batters faced with his presence on the mound.
Given his background, the Orioles could also deploy Wells as a long reliever, an approach that would allow him to adjust gradually to his new role by throwing multiple innings when necessary.
Manager Albernaz Discusses Wells’ Various Potential Uses
During a media session, Craig Albernaz outlined the many ways Wells might contribute from the bullpen this season. Albernaz described Wells as a versatile arm capable of handling different situations on the mound. He said,
“He can pitch leverage. He has the stuff for it, he has the makeup, But also, he can pitch early in the game, too. Where a high-functioning bullpen can start to form is where you have guys that are Swiss Army knives.”
Albernaz’s words reflect the idea of Wells as a flexible pitcher who can take on both critical late-inning duties as well as early relief appearances.
Flexibility in the Orioles’ Pitching Staff and Wells’ Role Under Uncertainty
Although Wells is primarily set for bullpen duties, the Orioles are prepared for possible rotation changes. Their planned starting five include Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Dean Kremer. However, with Zach Eflin recovering from back surgery, delays in his return or further injuries to starters could open the door for Wells to start games again.
Injuries remain a concern for Wells, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and a separate ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) procedure in 2024. Transitioning to a bullpen role allows Baltimore to limit his workload compared to that of a typical starter, likely pitching every other day and in shorter stints to better manage stress on his arm.
The Orioles’ Diverse Relief Options Beyond Wells
Even with Andrew Kittredge sidelined, the Orioles have multiple seasoned relievers who can handle various innings. Ryan Helsley, Keegan Akin, Yennier Canó, alongside Wells, provide Baltimore with a deep bullpen capable of pitching in early or late innings depending on the team’s needs. Wells is expected to focus on settling comfortably into both high-leverage and long-relief assignments during the spring and regular season.
The confirmation of Wells’ bullpen role underscores the Orioles’ cautious but optimistic approach to managing their pitching resources while preserving the health and effectiveness of key arms like Wells. Moving forward, his adaptability and experience could prove vital to the team’s success in 2026 and beyond.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that Tyler Wells will be in the bullpen to open the season.
Having Wells in the ‘pen could help offset potential loss of Andrew Kittredge (right shoulder inflammation) in the short term.
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) March 4, 2026
Does Craig Albernaz see Tyler Wells as late-inning option?
“He can pitch leverage. He has the stuff for it, he has the makeup. But also, he can pitch early in the game, too … Where a high-functioning bullpen can start to form is where you have guys that are Swiss Army knives." https://t.co/5X6gXfQ1WQ
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) March 4, 2026
