The Orioles are preparing to activate Tyler Wells from the 60-day injured list to start Tuesday night’s game in San Diego, even though an official announcement hasn’t been made. The club has already lined up its rotation for the immediate stretch, with Kyle Bradish listed as Monday’s starter and Cade Povich slated to start on Wednesday.
Wells hasn’t pitched since April 12, 2024. The 6-foot-8 right-hander underwent elbow surgery two months later and is returning as a key depth arm for Baltimore. Interim manager Tony Mansolino praised Wells’ ability to pound the strike zone and his changeup, noting that his delivery and competitiveness give him a neutral, tough look on both sides of the plate. “He’s a big-time strike-thrower. He’s got a great changeup… a neutrality to him. Competitive, tough angle to the fastball. He was quietly a really good starting pitcher in Major League Baseball prior to the injury,” Mansolino said. “He’s the guy that we’re excited to have back on the mound and in the clubhouse.”
Baltimore will also add two players when rosters expand to 28 on Monday. The second addition beyond Wells is expected to be 35-year-old reliever Albert Suárez, though Mansolino didn’t commit to the other spot. Jorge Mateo has been mentioned as a potential position-player addition since he’s rehabbing a hamstring injury at Triple-A Norfolk. “Jorgie, we’re still kind of checking boxes on the rehab assignment,” Mansolino said. “If Jorgie’s feeling great and good, in theory, he’d be the guy on the position-player side. I’m not so sure it’s going to go that way. It might take a couple of days.”
Mateo, Suárez and Wells all must be added to the 40-man roster since they’re currently on the 60-day injured list. Baltimore’s 40-man roster sits at 39 players right now.
If Mateo isn’t ready to come off the injured list, the Orioles could instead recall Ryan Noda, a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder who appeared with Baltimore earlier this month. Noda is already on the 40-man roster.
What this means for the Orioles: Wells’ return provides a veteran, reliable presence in the rotation and depth in the clubhouse as the team navigates an expanded roster and ongoing rehab timelines. The potential addition of Mateo could bolster the bench and outfield options once he’s cleared, while Suárez adds bullpen depth at a time when every inning counts.
Key takeaways:
– Tyler Wells is returning from the 60-day IL to start Tuesday in San Diego.
– Bradish and Povich are lined up for the upcoming starts beyond Wells.
– Rosters expand to 28, with Suárez a confirmed addition and Mateo as a possible piece depending on rehab progress.
– All three on the 60-day IL—Wells, Mateo, Suárez—must be added to the 40-man roster; the Orioles currently have 39 on the 40-man.
Summary: Wells’ comeback anchors a rotation that is getting healthier, while the roster expansions offer the Orioles a chance to add depth in both pitching and position players as they push through a busy schedule. If Mateo isn’t ready, Baltimore has internal options like Ryan Noda to help fill the gaps.