Injury Update On Baltimore Orioles Star Closer

He exploded onto the scene last year.

Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista is gradually building back up this spring after being slowed down by left knee soreness and right shoulder soreness that affected him late in the 2022 season.

Félix Bautista, whose opening day status is in question, is throwing a bullpen, which would seem to bode well. pic.twitter.com/4EGy17b7Vo

— Nathan Ruiz (@NathanSRuiz) February 17, 2023

The electric twenty-seven-year-old is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Tuesday at roughly 75-to-80 percent intensity.

The Orioles are taking a deliberate approach with Bautista this spring and plan to hold him out of Grapefruit League games until around mid-March, but there's still plenty of optimism that he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Over 65 appearances in his major league debut last season, Bautista recorded a glimmering 2.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, with 88 strikeouts over 65.2 innings, averaging a ridiculous 12.1 K/9. He finished 30 games and converted 15 saves.

Bautista will be built up gradually with the hope that he'll be ready in time for the Orioles' season-opener in late March.

I'm really digging Felix Bautista for 2023.

2022: 65.2 IP, 2.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 9.1% BB, 34.8% K

Top-9% in xBA, xSLG, xwOBA, xERA

Elite SPL (.087 BAA, .121 wOBA, 53.3% Whiff)

Locked in closer on a rising BAL team.

Could see him finish as a Top 3 RP.#FanatsyBaseball pic.twitter.com/8lQihzcm4X

— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) January 10, 2023

However, if he experiences any setbacks and needs to open the season on the injured list, relievers Cionel Perez and Bryan Baker could share the closer role in Bautista's absence, according to manager Brandon Hyde. Photo Credit:  Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports