Albert Suárez goes on injured list amid shoulder concerns

In Toronto, on March 30, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles faced a setback as right-hander Albert Suárez was placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. This decision came only two days after Suárez made his season debut, during which he pitched 2 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing two runs, with one earned, in a game that ended in an 8-2 loss for the Orioles. The team quickly responded by recalling right-hander Matt Bowman from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the roster gap left by Suárez's injury. Suárez, who turned 35 this year, had a notable previous season with the Orioles, achieving career highs in appearances, starts, and innings pitched. In 2024, he participated in 32 games and started 24, culminating in a 9-7 win-loss record and a 3.70 earned run average (ERA). His performance was pivotal for the team, as they relied heavily on his experience and skill on the mound. However, the shoulder inflammation has now cast uncertainty on his contributions for the upcoming weeks. Meanwhile, the Orioles also faced difficulties with another pitcher, Tomoyuki Sugano, who made his Major League Baseball debut recently. During his debut against the Blue Jays, Sugano exited the game prematurely after experiencing cramping. Making history as the oldest Japanese MLB debutant at 35 years old, Sugano managed to pitch four innings, allowing two runs and recording one strikeout. His performance was cut short, and he was replaced by Bowman during the game. Sugano's health will also require monitoring as the season progresses. As the Orioles move forward, the team will need to assess the health of both Suárez and Sugano. The roster changes indicate the urgency for the organization to adapt to injuries while trying to maintain competitive performance in the league. The success of the team may depend on how effectively they can handle these challenges and maximize the potential of their remaining pitchers.