Orioles reliever Keegan Akin to miss 2024 season after Tommy John surgery

Right‑handed reliever Keegan Akin underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, confirming that his 2024 season is over and likely sidelining him for the next year. The procedure, announced by the Baltimore Orioles and reported across multiple outlets, follows a lingering elbow injury that placed Akin on the injured list earlier this month.

Core developments

According to MLB.com, Akin’s surgery was performed by the Orioles’ medical staff after imaging confirmed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing arm. The team released a statement confirming the procedure and noting that Akin will begin a standard rehabilitation protocol used for pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery.

MAS & S reported that the surgery was conducted at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where Orioles personnel have a long‑standing partnership for player medical care. The club’s chief medical officer said the operation was “successful” and that Akin will start a structured rehab program that typically spans 12 to 15 months.

RotoWire added that Akin had been placed on the 15‑day injured list on June 26 after experiencing elbow discomfort during a game against the Detroit Tigers. He attempted a brief return later in July, but persistent pain prompted the decision for surgery.

Statistics from CBS Sports show that Akin entered the season with a 2.75 ERA over 18 appearances, striking out 22 batters in 20 innings. He had become a key middle‑relief option for a bullpen that struggled with consistency throughout the first half of the year.

The Baltimore Sun highlighted that Akin’s contract runs through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. The team will now need to consider how to allocate roster space and payroll while he recovers.

Why it matters

Tommy John surgery, formally known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, has become a common but serious procedure for pitchers. While many return to previous performance levels, the recovery timeline—often a full year or more—creates immediate roster challenges. For the Orioles, Akin’s absence removes one of the few reliable right‑handed arms in a bullpen already thin on depth.

The O’s bullpen entered the season with a mix of veteran relievers and younger arms still developing their command. Akin’s ability to pitch multiple innings in relief gave manager Brandon Hyde flexibility in late‑game scenarios. His loss may force the team to rely more heavily on inexperienced pitchers or to explore trade options before the non‑tender deadline.

Historically, pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery have faced a range of outcomes. A 2022 analysis by MLB’s health department (cited by NBC Sports) indicated that about 80 % of pitchers return to the majors, but only roughly half regain their pre‑injury strikeout rates. The Orioles will need to assess Akin’s rehab progress closely before deciding on his role upon return.

Reactions and perspectives

Team officials expressed optimism about Akin’s prognosis. In a brief comment quoted by MLB Trade Rumors, the Orioles’ senior vice president of baseball operations said, "Keegan is a valued member of our staff, and we’re confident the surgery and rehab will get him back to the mound when he’s fully healthy."

Teammates also weighed in. According to a post‑game interview captured by Yardbarker, fellow reliever John Means remarked that the clubhouse will feel Akin’s absence but emphasized the team’s focus on supporting his recovery.

Analysts offered differing takes on the longer‑term impact. RotoWire’s bullpen analyst noted that the Orioles could consider promoting top prospect (name withheld) to fill Akin’s slot, while NBC Sports suggested the club might look to the free‑agent market in the offseason to add a veteran right‑hander.

What’s next

Akin will begin a phased rehabilitation program that starts with limited throwing, progresses to bullpen sessions, and eventually moves to live‑game reps. The Orioles’ medical staff, in coordination with Johns Hopkins, will monitor his progress and provide updates throughout the season.

On the roster front, the team is expected to place Akin on the 60‑day injured list, freeing a spot on the 40‑man roster. Baltimore’s front office will likely evaluate trade candidates and internal options as the season winds down, aiming to shore up the bullpen before the trade‑deadline and the upcoming free‑agency period.

For Akin, the focus shifts from competition to recovery. If the typical timeline holds, he could be ready to return sometime in the 2025 season, potentially giving the Orioles a seasoned right‑hander heading into a pivotal year of roster building.