The Baltimore Orioles are confronting uncertainty as reliever Andrew Kittredge encounters a setback due to inflammation in his right shoulder, causing concern about his availability for Opening Day. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz disclosed this issue ahead of Wednesday’s Grapefruit League game, noting the probability that Kittredge will be ready for the season opener is low as the team plans to proceed cautiously with his recovery.
Kittredge’s Injury Develops During Early Spring Performance
Kittredge, who turns 36 later this month, experienced the shoulder inflammation emerging during his first and only spring outing on February 25. In that appearance, he struggled significantly, allowing three runs (two earned) while securing just one out on 23 pitches. According to Statcast data, his sinker velocity dropped by an average of 3.4 mph compared to last season. Manager Craig Albernaz confirmed the shoulder issue “creeped up” during that outing, marking the start of his current physical troubles.
“Craig Albernaz said Andrew Kittredge’s shoulder inflammation ‘creeped up’ during his last outing Feb. 25. His sinker was 3.4 mph slower on average than it was last season, according to Statcast.And now Kittredge may miss opening day: https://t.co/4c5bdHDWa3”
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka)
Kittredge’s Role and Recent Performance with the Orioles
Acquired during the offseason in a move to strengthen Baltimore’s bullpen, Kittredge returned to the Orioles after a stint with the Chicago Cubs, marking his second tenure with the club. Last season, across 31 appearances with Baltimore, he maintained a 3.45 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP while striking out 32 batters in 31.1 innings. Midseason, following a trade to Chicago, he logged 23 appearances, a 3.32 ERA, and 32 strikeouts over 21.2 innings, finishing the year with a career-best strikeout rate of 10.9 per nine innings.
Implications for Orioles’ Bullpen Without Kittredge
With Kittredge’s readiness uncertain, the Orioles face an open competition to fill crucial bullpen roles. Ryan Helsley is ready to assume closer responsibilities in the absence of Félix Bautista, who is recovering from labrum and rotator cuff surgery and expected back late in the season. Meanwhile, several pitchers — including Yennier Canó, Keegan Akin, Rico Garcia, Dietrich Enns, and Tyler Wells — are competing for bullpen spots, with Canó and Akin bringing the most experience in high-stakes situations.
Bullpen Candidates and Their Prospects
Yennier Canó, turning 32 next week, has accumulated 82 holds over the past three seasons but is looking to rebound from a difficult 2025 campaign in which he recorded a career-worst 5.12 ERA. The 2023 All-Star has shown promise early this spring by replacing his circle changeup with a splitter. Keegan Akin, turning 31 next month, has been reliable over recent seasons, posting a 3.36 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 156 strikeouts in 142 innings. Akin stepped into the closer role after the trade deadline last year, converting 16 saves in 22 opportunities.
Tyler Wells was recently informed he will remain in the bullpen mix rather than compete for a spot in the rotation, further highlighting the depth and competition within Baltimore’s relief pitching corps for this season.
Outlook and Significance of Kittredge’s Injury for the Orioles
Kittredge’s shoulder inflammation adds to the Orioles’ bullpen challenges just as they prepare for the new season, possibly delaying the return of a key veteran arm. His absence could intensify pressure on the bullpen candidates as Baltimore aims to maintain late-inning stability without Félix Bautista. The team’s cautious approach to Kittredge’s recovery underlines their intent to preserve his long-term effectiveness rather than rush his return.
As the Grapefruit League progresses, the Orioles will closely monitor Kittredge’s condition while adjusting their bullpen strategy accordingly. The outcome of his recovery may impact Baltimore’s chances of success this season and shape the bullpen hierarchy in the crucial weeks ahead.
Craig Albernaz said #Orioles reliever Andrew Kittredge suffered a recent setback and is experiencing right shoulder inflammation. Labeled his chances of being ready for opening day “low.”
Orioles want to slow play Kittredge’s recovery and get him back to being Andrew Kittredge pic.twitter.com/eD1oflptLB
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) March 4, 2026
Craig Albernaz said Andrew Kittredge's shoulder inflammation “creeped up” during his last outing Feb. 25. His sinker was 3.4 mph slower on average than it was last season, according to Statcast.
And now Kittredge may miss opening day: https://t.co/4c5bdHDWa3
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) March 4, 2026
