Orioles Activate All-Star Félix Bautista After 14 Months

The Baltimore Orioles activated All-Star reliever Félix Bautista from the 60-day injured list on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, clearing his return more than a year after right shoulder surgery. Bautista last appeared in the majors on July 20, 2025, earning his 19th save in a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay, then had Aug. 19, 2025 surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff. He had been one of baseball’s dominant relievers in 2023 with a 1.48 ERA, 33 saves and 110 strikeouts in 61 innings, missed 2024 after Tommy John surgery, and posted 19 saves in 35 games in 2025 before the shoulder injury. Rehab began after clearance Aug. 23, 2026; AP cited a 2.35 ERA in nine minor-league games while CBS/RotoWire reported five earned runs in eight innings with nine strikeouts and seven walks. Manager Craig Albernaz said the club will manage his workload carefully and may not restore him immediately as closer. Mike Elias said Albernaz will return in 2027 after a 75-79 first season three games out of an AL wild-card spot. The team also shut down closer Ryan Helsley for the rest of 2026 with right elbow discomfort, optioned Cade Povich and Heston Kjerstad, activated Christian Franklin, and transferred Tyler O’Neill to the 60-day IL. Trey Mancini signed a one-day contract and was honored before the Brewers game to retire with the franchise he long identified with.