Félix Bautista's Season Over as Orioles Closer Undergoes Surgery

Orioles' Félix Bautista's injured

Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista undergoes surgery for torn labrum and rotator cuff, potentially ending his season and impacting his career.

Baltimore Orioles star closer Felix Bautista has undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, ruling him out for the rest of the 2025 season and potentially a significant part of 2026. The procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, is expected to sideline Bautista for at least 12 months. This setback comes after he missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Bautista had shown promising form this season, logging 34 2/3 innings with a 2.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a dominant 13.0 K/9. He had converted 19 of 20 save opportunities before feeling shoulder discomfort during warmups on July 23. Despite his successful comeback from Tommy John surgery, Bautista's injury history raises concerns about his long-term performance and durability.

The Orioles will need to explore other options for their bullpen, potentially through trades or call-ups. Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano are expected to take on more responsibility in Bautista's absence. The team's bullpen has been heavily impacted by injuries this season, with several pitchers already on the injured list.

Injury Timeline:

• July 20: Bautista last pitched, recording his 19th save of the season
• July 23: Felt shoulder discomfort during warmups
• August: Confirmed out for the remainder of the 2025 season
• August 20: Underwent surgery to repair torn labrum and torn rotator cuff

What's Next for the Orioles:

Bullpen Revamp: The team will need to address their bullpen deficiencies this offseason

Potential Targets: Ryan Helsley, Edwin Díaz, Kenley Jansen, Devin Williams, and Aroldis Chapman are possible options

Contract Considerations: Bautista is controllable through 2027, and the Orioles will likely tender him a contract with the hope of him contributing late in 2026 or in 2027.

This latest setback comes after he missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old reliever had shown promising signs of recovery this year, but his season is now likely over.

Despite the setback, the Baltimore Orioles could keep Bautista on the team as he recovers, thanks to his arbitration-eligible status for the next two years. Bautista's current deal covers both 2024 and 2025, and he'll push arbitration off until the 2026 offseason, potentially impacting his earning power. His ability to substantially increase his salary may be dampened by the missed time.

The Orioles announced that Felix Bautista is expected to miss the next 12 months after having shoulder surgery yesterday pic.twitter.com/LNImLJlVMH

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 20, 2025

Key Details:

• Injury: Torn rotator cuff and labrum in right shoulder
• Expected Recovery Time: 12 months
• Previous Injury: Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction) in 2024
• Arbitration Eligibility: 2026 and 2027
• Contract Status: Under team control until 2028

Bautista's situation is uncertain, and while some speculate it might end his career, the Orioles might choose to retain him, hoping for his contribution in the future. Bautista's talent and potential make him a valuable asset, but his injury history raises concerns about his long-term viability.

Félix Bautista's career, though potentially short-lived due to injuries, was undeniably dominant. Since making his big-league debut in 2022, Bautista quickly rose to prominence, earning an All-Star selection in 2023. That year, he posted impressive numbers, including 33 saves and a 1.48 ERA, striking out 110 batters in just 61 innings. His performance was strong enough to put him in Cy Young Award conversations.

The Orioles will be without their closer for a while.

Félix Bautista underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He is expected to miss 12 months. pic.twitter.com/7tUr9NZ4dk

— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) August 20, 2025

Bautista's success was marked by his electric stuff, which allowed him to rack up a remarkable 16.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023. His dominance on the mound made him a key contributor to the Orioles' success. Despite his promising start, Bautista's career has been plagued by injuries, including a Tommy John surgery that kept him out for the entire 2024 season.

Career Highlights:

• 2023 Season: 33 saves, 1.48 ERA, 110 strikeouts in 61 innings
• All-Star Selection: 2023
• Cy Young Award Conversations: 2023
• Debut: 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles

Bautista's talent and potential were undeniable, but his injury-prone nature has cast a shadow over his career. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Bautista's achievements in his short time in the big leagues are notable and will be remembered for years to come.

Félix Bautista made a highly anticipated return to the mound earlier this season, quickly climbing to ninth on the Orioles' all-time saves list with 67. Despite playing only about two full seasons, Bautista's impressive performance has solidified his position as one of the top closers in the game. Before his recent injury, Bautista had converted 19 of 20 save opportunities, posting a 2.60 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 50 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. His journey back from a torn labrum and rotator cuff injury will likely keep him sidelined until February 2026.