John Means has spent his entire big league career with the Orioles and helped anchor the staff when the club struggled through 100-loss seasons.
When the Orioles turned their fortunes around last season and won the American League East for the first time since 2014, Means was mostly forced to watch from the dugout while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
However, he was happy to see his teammates become so successful. Means now has the opportunity to be a key contributor in 2024.
“It wasn’t tough because it was fun to watch,” Means said of the Orioles’ playoff run. “These guys were doing so well, but obviously I wanted to be a part of it, too.”
Means underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2022 and was supposed to return around the All-Star break in 2023. However, he strained his left teres major — a muscle in the back — during non-throwing activation drills in rehab in May.
Means worked his way back and made six encouraging rehab starts between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, going 1-1 with a 3.74 ERA, 22 strikeouts and a 1.15 WHIP in 21.1 innings. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound left-hander returned to the Orioles in mid-September and went 1-2 with a 2.66 ERA in four starts down the stretch. He pitched a huge game on Sept. 23 at Cleveland, allowing one hit and one run in 7.1 innings.
“I had confidence in what could happen, but I’d be lying to you if I didn’t want to see it happen, too,” Means said. “You spend that much time off the field that you just sometimes question, you’re not really sure what’s going to happen. But to see the results was good for me mentally, for sure.”
However, Means was shut down for the AL Division Series when his surgically repaired left elbow became sore leading up to the series with the Texas Rangers, who swept the Orioles in three games and went on to win the first World Series in franchise history.
“It was tough for sure,” Means said about being shut down. “I didn’t want to, but it was the smarter path. Obviously, mentally it’s been tough over the last couple of years, but that was probably the toughest. … It was just tight and then they looked at the MRI and they told me to take a break on it.”
As such, Means began spring training about a month behind the other pitchers in camp and appeared likely to begin the regular season on the injured list. Kyle Bradish (UCL sprain) is also expected to miss time.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde will put together his starting rotation as spring training progresses, with Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer all slated for significant roles. Hyde is happy to have Means back in the mix as a potential key contributor at some point this season.
“He’s done some great things in this league and made an All-Star Game,” Hyde said. “We’ve missed him and to have him back is going to be huge.”
While Means has not pitched regularly since suffering the elbow injury on April 13, 2022, he has the pedigree to make a huge difference for the Orioles. In 2019, he finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting and was selected to his first All-Star Game as a 26-year-old. Two years later, he threw a no-hitter at Seattle.
Overall, Means is 21-26 with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in six major league seasons.
Means’ teammates are happy to have him back in the fold.
“He’s a great guy and a great leader,” Rodriguez said. “Having him in the clubhouse for a full season is going to be special.”
This is an especially big year for Means because he is eligible for free agency after the season. In January, Means and the Orioles avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.325 million contract. Means is now hopeful the sides can reach a long-term deal.
“I love this organization,” Means said. “It’s all that I know. I’m just looking forward to this year and then take it day by day.”
Means and his teammates are hopeful they can replicate last season’s success. The lefty is looking forward to pitching in front of a packed Camden Yards.
“I was there during the dog days of 2020 and 2021,” Means said. “There weren’t a whole lot of fans in the stands. Now to see Camden Yards packed and the noise and all these fans in the street wearing Orioles gear, it’s fun to see and I’m looking forward to it continuing and growing.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles
Issue 285: February/March 2024
Originally published Feb. 21, 2024