These three pitchers will benefit most from Félix Bautista’s reduced workload

On Monday afternoon, Félix Bautista took the mound for the Baltimore Orioles for the first time in a year and a half.

The long awaited return was everything O’s fans had hoped for, as Bautista struck out the first two batters he faced and induced a weak ground ball to the third.

The 2023 Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year had officially returned.

Félix Bautista strikes out the first batter he faces in 556 days in his return from Tommy John surgery 👏 pic.twitter.com/PIy5GW0c9O

— MLB (@MLB) March 4, 2025

Entering spring training, Bautista said he was at about 85 percent but he would be good to go for Opening Day. In his first outing Felix was as effective as ever but clearly not yet 100 percent.

His fastball topped out at 97mph, which is two miles per hour slower than he averaged in each of his first two major league seasons.

Obviously he is still building up this early in spring and his velocity is not something to be concerned about.

The only concern manager Brandon Hyde has with Bautista is keeping his star closer healthy.

When talking about Bautista after Monday’s outing Hyde stated “I’m going to be as careful as I possibly can” and said Bautista would not make multi-inning appearances or pitch on back-to-back days. It’s understandable to be careful with an asset as valuable as Bautista is and it opens up opportunities for others to step in.

Which Orioles relievers stand to benefit from usage restrictions on Félix Bautista?

The first name that comes to mind has to be Seranthony Dominguez, who took the closer’s role from Craig Kimbrel last season.

Dominguez performed well as the Birds closer, converting 10-11 save opportunities and stabilizing the bullpen.

The only knock on him was his penchant for giving up the long ball and he’s already given up three homers in two innings this spring.

Newcomer Andrew Kittredge will also be in the mix for saves, per Hyde.

Kittredge has been a successful part-time closer throughout his career and has 16 saves to his name.

However, last season he was just 1-8 in save chances. Kittredge is currently dealing with some knee soreness and has been temporarily shut down. There’s currently no timetable on when he’ll start throwing again.

Hyde also mentioned Gregory Soto as a save candidate when the O’s want to mix and match, but a surprise candidate could be Tyler Wells. Wells has been a good starter when healthy but injuries have taken their toll.

Coming off his second major elbow surgery, Wells is another pitcher who Hyde will likely be careful with.

He has been successful as a closer in the past and at this point in his career might be better suited for that role. Wells and Bautista would make an imposing duo at the back end of the bullpen.