{"id":108303,"date":"2025-10-13T00:41:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T04:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=108303"},"modified":"2025-10-13T00:41:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T04:41:28","slug":"orioles-albert-suarez-avoids-major-injury-on-track-opening-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/13\/orioles-albert-suarez-avoids-major-injury-on-track-opening-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Orioles’ Albert Su\u00e1rez Avoids Major Injury, On Track for 2026 Opener"},"content":{"rendered":"

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Albert Su\u00e1rez<\/a> has apparently avoided major injury, putting him on track for Opening Day of the 2026 MLB season.<\/p>\n

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Sep 10, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Albert Suarez (49) throws during the tenth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Orioles Reliever Albert Su\u00e1rez Should Be Ready for Next Opening Day<\/h2>\n

The 36-year-old received the good news following a second opinion during an exam on his right elbow, according to MASNSports<\/a>. The injury turned out to be a mild forearm flexor strain instead of a potential UCL situation. He had previously been shut down<\/a> in September after an appearance against the Toronto Blue Jays.<\/p>\n

Suarez appeared in five games this year for Baltimore, throwing 11.2 innings and striking out 10. He walked two batters and surrendered three earned runs on nine hits. In 2024, the veteran made 24 starts with a 9-7 record with a 3.70 ERA.<\/p>\n

What Does It Mean For 2026?<\/h3>\n

The Orioles suffered a litany of injuries to their pitching staff, with over a dozen different players on the injured list throughout the season. Starters Grayson Rodriguez<\/a>, Zach Eflin<\/a>, Kyle Bradish<\/a>, and Tyler Wells<\/a> were all put on the list at some point. Relievers F\u00e9lix Bautista<\/a> and Brandon Young<\/a> also ended up on the list.<\/p>\n

Most of the above players will come back at some point in 2026, and Su\u00e1rez’s return helps solve some of the problems in the Orioles’ bullpen. There’s a decent chance he could be part of a closer-by-committee to replace Bautista next year.<\/p>\n

Su\u00e1rez had some average statistics but also contributed some positive attributes to the bullpen. The veteran boasted<\/a> solid hard-hit and barrel numbers, along with an average chase and whiff rate in 2024. Hitters had a .210 expected batting average along with a .328 expected slugging percentage off Suarez in 2025.<\/p>\n

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Welcome back to the #Orioles<\/a>, Albert Su\u00e1rez.<\/p>\n

The 35-year-old RHP worked a 1-2-3 8th inning vs. the Padres on 10 pitches (8 strikes).<\/p>\n

Su\u00e1rez also picked up a strikeout by getting Ram\u00f3n Laureano to swing and miss at this 95.3 mph four-seam fastball: pic.twitter.com\/yWKieYKMiv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) September 3, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n