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MILWAUKEE – There haven’t been very many positives to point to in the brief Tony Mansolino era. Today, there’s one in plain sight.
Andrew Kittredge, who the O’s signed to a one-year, $10 million deal with an option for 2026 this offseason, was reinstated from the injured list today. Kittredge missed a chunk of spring training and the beginning of this season after undergoing “knee debridement” surgery. At his healthy best, he’s one of the best setup men in the game.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting to have surgery during spring training,” Kittredge said this morning with a laugh. “That was kind of out of my control. So, I just attacked the rehab and feeling good, and just excited to be back now, even though it wasn’t the beginning of the season that I hoped for. Excited to be back.”
Kittredge made 74 appearances for the Cardinals a season ago, top-10 among pitchers’ games played. He posted a 2.80 ERA, a return to form in his first full season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022.
Having previously gone through a long rehab, Kittredge knew the drill this time around.
“It is a grind. They talk about how long and enduring that can be. Thankfully, this one was a lot shorter and I didn’t struggle mentally as much as maybe with the longer one.”
“Just a steady guy,” Mansolino said of Kittredge. “A guy that’s been through a lot of big games, a lot of big innings, a lot of moments for a long time in the game on a lot of good teams … we’re just excited to have him in the fold.”
Steadiness is a trait that the Orioles would love to see more of in the bullpen.
Since 2021, Kittredge has appeared in 162 games and posted a 2.48 ERA. According to Statcast, he’s been in the 100th percentile in chase rate every single season. That’ll go a long way in helping a Baltimore bullpen that currently sports the sixth-worst ERA in the game.
“Hopefully some consistency,” Kittredge said of what he’s hoping to bring. “I mean, not that that’s not been the case so far. That’s what I hope to bring to the table. I’m going to try to attack hitters as best I can and be as consistent as I can.”
Yennier Cano and Félix Bautista have had their fair share of struggles as of late. Kittredge should seamlessly slot into that high-leverage late-game roll to provide some backup.
Kittredge’s addition is just one of many upcoming returns from injury that leave some room for optimism. The Orioles are hoping that Colton Cowser, who is due to begin his rehab assignment today, and Jordan Westburg, who Mike Elias pointed to as a potential early-June return, aren’t far behind.
Baltimore could use whatever help they can get.
Breadcrumbs from the Interim Skipper
Ramón Laureano is out of the lineup after a scary tumble last night. Mansolino noted that they’re “fortune it wasn’t serious, very mild and minor at the moment,” and that the outfielder should be back and available “within the next couple of days.”
The O’s head to Boston after their trip to the Midwest, and Charlie Morton is set to hit the hill as a starter on Friday.
“You’ve kind of seen him slowly transition back into himself,” Mansolino noted.
Tomoyuki Sugano takes the mound in this afternoon’s series finale against the Brewers, and the O’s are looking for him to stop another losing skid. “He’s kind of been our stopper,” Mansolino said. “He’s kind of been our guy, which we need today.”
