Orioles Recall Brandon Young After Enns’ Foot Infection Sidelines Him
The Baltimore Orioles face a roster challenge as left-handed pitcher Dietrich Enns has been placed on the injured list due to an infected foot. The team announced that Enns required IV antibiotics at a hospital in Pittsburgh. Manager Craig Albernaz commented on the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s crazy,” referring to the condition of Enns’ injury.
Brandon Young Recalled
To fill the gap left by Enns, the Orioles have recalled right-handed pitcher Brandon Young. He is expected to make his start against the Chicago White Sox tonight. This move comes in light of the Orioles needing an additional starter after Zach Eflin was also placed on the injured list due to an elbow issue.
Roster Changes and Recent Performances
Cade Povich, who was recently recalled, pitched 5 2/3 innings in relief during the previous game against Chris Bassitt. His work contributed to the team’s effort as they navigated through recent injuries.
Enns’ journey has seen him pitch three seasons in Asia before returning to the states last year. He struggled with a 5.60 ERA over seven appearances with the Detroit Tigers before being traded to Baltimore for cash considerations. In his time with the Orioles, Enns established himself as a reliable member of the bullpen, posting a commendable 3.14 ERA and a strikeout rate of 27.6% over 28 2/3 innings during the final two months of the previous season. He also secured two saves.
Contract Details
The Orioles previously had a $3 million club option for Enns for the 2026 season. However, rather than exercising this option, the team signed him to a new one-year contract worth $2.5 million, which includes a $3.5 million club option for 2027, alongside a $125,000 buyout.
Outlook for Young and the Rotation
Brandon Young will join Povich and Albert Suarez as contenders for the fifth spot in the rotation during Eflin’s potential long-term absence. Young previously made his MLB debut in 2025, though he recorded an ERA exceeding 6.00 in twelve starts. Advanced metrics, including an xFIP of 4.52 and a SIERA of 4.67, indicate that he may have been unlucky in his outings.
Eflin is currently seeking a second opinion on his elbow injury from noted orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister.
