John Means Transferred to 60-day IL with Left Elbow Injury, Return This Season in Doubt

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2 min read • April 17, 2022

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John Means Transferred to 60-day IL with Left Elbow Injury, Return This Season in Doubt

Orioles ace John Means was transferred to the 60-day IL Sunday with a left elbow sprain, an ominous injury that could end his season.

Means exited his start last Wednesday after reportedly experiencing forearm tightness. During the start, his velocity dropped to 91.6 mph, down from 92.8 mph in his previous start.

His MRI revealed an “elbow sprain,” according to the team, and manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Means is out until at least June.

The combination of forearm tightness, drop in velocity and damage to the elbow are obviously bad signs for Means and the Orioles.

Baltimore has not provided details about potential damage to the 28-year-old's UCL, but in medical terms a sprain is a tear.

The hope for now is that the tear is not in his UCL and can be allowed to heal with rest. If the damage is to his UCL, Means is likely heading toward the dreaded two-name pitching surgery.

The Orioles are 2-6 and don't have much pitching depth behind Means. His injury could allow for the call up of Grayson Rodriguez, a 22-year-old highly touted pitching prospect.