The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in an intriguing position as they navigate through the final stretch of the MLB season. With a strong playoff push underway, the team is looking for every possible advantage, and one option that has sparked considerable debate is whether they should move their injured star pitcher into the closer role once he returns.
The Orioles’ bullpen has been solid but lacks a dominant closer to consistently shut down games in high-pressure situations. This is where the idea of moving an injured but recovering star like John Means, a former All-Star and the team’s ace, into the closer role becomes intriguing. Means has been sidelined for most of the season following Tommy John surgery, but his return could give Baltimore a powerful weapon out of the bullpen as they gear up for the postseason.
The move could be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, transitioning a recovering starter into a closer role allows for a gradual return to full game workload, easing the pitcher back into competition without putting too much strain on his arm. Secondly, Means’ experience and ability to command the strike zone could make him a natural fit to close out games, providing the Orioles with a reliable option in the ninth inning.
However, this strategy is not without its risks. Shifting a pitcher like Means, who has thrived as a starter, into the bullpen could disrupt his rhythm and long-term development as an ace. Additionally, the Orioles would be banking on his ability to adapt quickly to a new role after a long recovery period. There’s also the question of whether moving Means to the bullpen would be the best use of his talent, considering the value of having a proven starting pitcher in the rotation.
Ultimately, the decision will hinge on how well Means recovers and what the Orioles believe gives them the best chance to succeed in October. If they feel that a dominant closer is the missing piece to their playoff puzzle, moving Means into that role could be a bold but rewarding gamble.