SARASOTA – The construction of the Orioles’ bullpen must undergo further changes.

A big piece of it has become dislodged.

Andrew Kittredge appears to be out for Opening Day again, this time with right shoulder inflammation that’s limited him to only one appearance this spring.

Kittredge was supposed to be a high-leverage reliever passing leads to new closer Ryan Helsley. The Orioles traded him to the Cubs at least summer’s deadline and got him back Nov. 4 for cash considerations.

A left knee debridement procedure in March 2025 kept him away from the active roster for two months, but he reported to camp healthy this year. He faced the Rays on Feb. 25 and allowed two earned runs (three total) in only one-third of an inning, and the club doesn’t have a timeline for his return.

“We kind of slowed down his progression,” said manager Craig Albernaz. “It creeped up his last outing here and so we just want to do right by him and make sure we get that knocked out.”

Albernaz added that it’s going to be a “slow progression” with Kittredge.

“We’ll kind of see where it goes,” he said. “As you look forward to Opening Day, possibly a low probability of Opening Day. For saying that, we just want to make sure he’s not rushing this. We want to make sure he gets this inflammation knocked out and gets back to being Andrew Kittredge. So we don’t want to put any timeline or anything in front of him and kind of just make sure that similar to Félix (Bautista), that he’s attacking each day to get that inflammation settled.”

Kittredge made 31 appearances with the Orioles last season and posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.085 WHIP in 31 1/3 innings. The Cubs acquired him for minor league infielder Wilfri De La Cruz on July 31.

The Orioles exercised his $9 million option after the latest trade.

Tyler Wells has made three scoreless one-inning appearances this spring with only one hit allowed, no walks and five strikeouts. He’s going to be used out of the bullpen this season.

The plan for Wells became obvious early in camp, but he received official word about a week ago.

“Wellsy was great about it,” Albernaz said. “He just wants to go out there and compete, and it also raises our floor in the ‘pen, as well.

“To me, that’s the biggest value with him is between the fifth and ninth innings. He can pitch leverage. He has the stuff for it, he has the makeup. But also, he can pitch early in the game, too, and that’s to me where a high-functioning bullpen can start to form is where you have guys that are Swiss army knives who can do a lot of stuff, and Wells fits that mold.”

Wells said he could see the writing was on the wall for a little while.

“Overall, it’s something that I’m excited for, kind of going back to my rookie year,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed the bullpen. I think it’s gonna add definitely a different look, a different element to my game this year. Best thing I can do is fully embrace it and just go after it.

“I was very honest about this. I love the pressure. I think that being a starter and being a high-leverage reliever, that pressure kind of coming into those games is where I tend to thrive, is where I really love being. And if they give me the opportunity to go out there and do that, then I’m going to fully embrace it. I’ve always loved those situations in ’21. I think that you probably saw that a little bit in ’23, as well. It’s just where I really enjoy being is in the high-pressure spots, and I don’t think that there’s two positions that provide more of that than being a starter and being back of the bullpen.”

Bautista underwent surgery in August to repair his rotator cuff and labrum, and he threw for the first time yesterday, making 25 tosses from a distance of 45 feet.

“I think when you go through a long rehab process and you finally get to go out and check that box, it’s awesome for everyone,” Albernaz said. “He’s put a ton of work in. Our medical pitching department, it’s been awesome to kind of see that, and it was a cool day for him to go out there yesterday and throw for the first time.”

“I feel really good right now,” Bautista said via interpreter Brandon Quinones. “Thanking God first and foremost for my recovery, the way things are going. My arm feels really good and hopefully if things continue to progress well like they have been, I’ll be able to pitch sometime this year. Or at least, I’m hoping for that.”

Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2023, which cost him the following season. He made 35 appearances last year, posting a 2.60 ERA, recording 19 saves and striking out 50 batters in 34 2/3 innings.

Unfortunately, rehabbing isn’t new to Bautista. He’s just gone from elbow to shoulder.

“These are both really important and difficult surgeries to go through,” he said. “Obviously, Tommy John was a lot, as well, but I think going through that now, I’m taking on this one with more patience with a bit better understanding of what I need to do to come back from it and recover.”

Asked what’s kept him in good spirit, Bautista credited family – especially his mother – and also his teammates and training staff.

Albernaz isn’t thinking too far ahead with Bautista and how the 2023 All-Star and Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year could impact the club late in the summer.

“For me, Day One of throwing, he just keeps stacking good days and then whatever comes of it comes of it,” Albernaz said. “I don’t want him looking too far forward. Just have the day in front of you and attack the rehab each day.”