Felix Bautista has not pitched for the Baltimore Orioles since Aug. 25, 2023, due to a right UCL tear that required Tommy John Surgery.
During the 2023 season, he maintained an impressive 8-2 record with a 1.48 ERA. In 56 games, Bautista secured 33 saves, pitching 61.0 innings, allowing 30 hits and 14 runs. He also recorded 110 strikeouts while walking 26 batters, resulting in a WHIP of 0.91. He is expected to play a significant role in Baltimore’s bullpen this season.
Baltimore Orioles Relief Pitcher Felix Bautista Pitches Against the Boston Red Sox On Tuesday
On Tuesday, Bautista pitched for the first time in 556 days during a fifth-inning appearance against the Boston Red Sox. He struck out Trayce Thompson and Nate Eaton, marking his return to the game.
Félix Bautista strikes out the first batter he faces in 556 days in his return from Tommy John surgery 👏 pic.twitter.com/PIy5GW0c9O
— MLB (@MLB) March 4, 2025
Fans are excited about his return. One fan expressed, “Nice to see him back, he put in a lot of work to get back out there.”
Another fan noted, “It’s nice to see him back with the O’s. Though I’m thinking that opposing batters won’t be happy to see him again.”
Some fans, however, remain cautious about his performance this season.
Bautista is projected to be the Orioles closer again in 2025, a role he held during the 2023 season. Baltimore aims to reclaim the American League East title, which they lost to the New York Yankees in 2024.
The team will face stiff competition, but Bautista’s performance could be crucial for their success.
Felix Bautista’s Injury History
Bautista’s injury history has significantly impacted his career trajectory, particularly with the Orioles.
On August 25, 2023, Bautista suffered a right UCL tear, a major setback that required him to undergo Tommy John surgery. This injury marked a significant pause in his career, as it sidelined him for over a year and prevented him from pitching for the Orioles during this period.
Tommy John surgery, known for its lengthy rehabilitation process, involves reconstructing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. This procedure is common among pitchers due to the stress placed on the ligament by repetitive throwing motions. Recovery times can vary, but pitchers typically return to the mound in 12 to 18 months, depending on the individual’s healing process and rehabilitation efforts.
Before this major injury, Bautista had been relatively healthy, quickly ascending through the minor leagues to become a key figure in the Orioles’ bullpen. His ability to close games and maintain impressive stats, such as a 1.48 ERA and 33 saves in 2023 before his injury, underscored his importance to the team.
The impact of this surgery on Bautista’s career is yet to be fully seen. While he has returned to pitching, it remains crucial to monitor his performance and endurance, as the effects of such surgeries can influence a pitcher’s speed, control, and overall effectiveness on the mound.
