The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen faces significant uncertainty as Andrew Kittredge is sidelined with shoulder inflammation, likely missing the start of the season, Orioles’ pitching coach Craig Albernaz revealed. Kittredge was expected to be a key contributor to the team’s relief corps in 2026, and his absence immediately raises concerns about the bullpen’s stability during the critical opening weeks.
The Orioles had planned for Kittredge to anchor the bullpen after opting to add only two veteran relievers this offseason, following a major overhaul that saw much of their bullpen traded away last year. Without him, the team’s relief staff is suddenly vulnerable to heavy strain.
The Impact of Kittredge’s Absence on Baltimore’s Relief Pitching Depth
Kittredge’s injury severely weakens an already fragile Orioles bullpen. If Ryan Helsley does not regain his former performance level or suffers his own injury, Baltimore could find itself with one of the least effective relief units in Major League Baseball. Even teams like the Rockies would likely envy the Orioles’ more experienced arms compared to a bullpen led by Keegan Akin.
In the same update, Albernaz confirmed that Tyler Wells will begin the season in the bullpen, ending speculation about his role as a starter. Originally positioned as a swingman able to cover both starting and relief innings, Wells is now expected to assume greater responsibility filling in for Kittredge as the primary setup man, a role critical for maintaining late-inning leads.
Reliance on Less Proven Relievers Presents Risk for Orioles
With Kittredge out and Wells moved to a more significant role, the Orioles are also turning to Keegan Akin. While Akin’s career as a reliever shows some promise, most of his success has come in low-pressure moments. His recent stint as the main closer after last season’s trade deadline was marked by inconsistency, recording eight saves but also six blown saves. Entrusting him with high-leverage innings in the seventh or eighth inning could prove hazardous.
Another option with substantial major league experience is Yennier Cano, who previously excelled as a setup pitcher. However, Cano’s performance has declined since his peak in early 2023, culminating in a 5.12 ERA last season, an uncomfortably high mark for a reliever expected to handle critical situations. The Orioles are hoping Cano can regain his earlier form, but that remains uncertain.
Beyond Wells, Akin, and Cano, the Orioles’ bullpen depth is thin. Pitchers such as Enns, Espada, Foster, Garcia, Hiraldo, Kowar, McDermott, Nunez, and Wolfram collectively have fewer MLB innings pitched than Kittredge alone. This lack of experience poses a major challenge for a club aiming to compete seriously in 2026.
Urgent Needs and the Future of Baltimore’s Bullpen Strategy
While occasionally a less heralded bullpen arm can emerge unexpectedly, relying on such breakout performances does not align with the Orioles’ aspirations as contenders. It would be prudent for Baltimore to consider bolstering the bullpen before spring training concludes. Without reinforcement, the team risks exposing its relief staff to overwhelming workloads and precarious situations early in the year.
“That’s going to lead to some uncomfortable high-leverage innings in the first month of the season.” – Craig Albernaz, Orioles pitching coach
“It appears that pinch has started now, and Wells will be responsible for filling in for Kittredge as the primary setup man.” – Craig Albernaz, Orioles pitching coach
