Orioles GM Mike Elias announced Friday that Means will undergo surgery to repair the UCL in his left elbow and will miss the rest of the season, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
The left-hander headed for a second opinion after being diagnosed with a forearm strain last week, and he'll end up having a third straight injury-shortened campaign. It remains to be seen if Means will require Tommy John surgery -- which he also underwent in April 2022 -- or a lesser procedure, but his absence is likely to push into 2025 regardless. It's a rough day for the Orioles rotation, as Tyler Wells (elbow) will also require UCL surgery.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Means will get a second opinion on his throwing elbow, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Means threw just three innings in his start Wednesday against the Cardinals, and he did not return to the mound following a rain delay. He landed on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a left forearm strain, which was the same injury that caused him to start the season on the IL. Seeing that Means is getting a second opinion on the injury, the 31-year-old southpaw could be on the IL beyond the 15-day minimum.
Orioles' John Means: Heads to IL with strained forearm
Rotowire
The Orioles placed Means on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left forearm strain, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.
It's the same injury that forced Means to the IL prior to Opening Day. The left-hander experienced a flareup of the forearm issue during his latest start Wednesday in St. Louis. He'll be eligible to return from the IL in early June, but it's possible he'll need more time than the minimum 15 days given that it's a recurring injury. Cole Irvin is the likeliest candidate to slide into Means' spot in Baltimore's rotation.
Orioles' John Means: Dealing with elbow discomfort
Rotowire
Means was removed from Wednesday's start against the Cardinals due to left elbow discomfort and will undergo medical testing, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
The injury wasn't immediately reported as the left-hander's departure after three innings coincided with a rain delay. Means entered the contest with an average fastball velocity of 90.9 mph this season, but he sat two ticks below that Wednesday. The 31-year-old missed most of last season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and a back injury, so another elbow issue could be a significant concern.
Means (2-0) earned the win Friday over the Mariners, allowing two runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out four.
Means got off to a rocky start, allowing a run on three hits in the first inning. However, he'd settle down and hold Seattle to just one additional run over his final five frames in an eventual 9-2 win. It was a nice bounce-back effort from Means after he gave up four runs to Arizona in just 4.2 innings his last time out. The 31-year-old southpaw lowered his ERA to 3.06 with a 0.85 WHIP and 15 strikeouts over 17.2 innings, and he has yet to issue a walk. Means is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Cardinals in his next outing.
