Orioles Will Activate Félix Bautista on September 20
The Baltimore Orioles will reinstate closer Félix Bautista from the injured list this Friday.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball
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The Baltimore Orioles are set to activate Félix Bautista from the 60-day injured list on September 20, 2026. The move comes as the team looks to utilize the reliever for a final playoff push.
Why it matters
Bautista provides a significant boost to the Orioles bullpen as the club fights for postseason positioning. His return marks the end of a lengthy rehabilitation process following major arm surgery.
Bautista posted a 2.60 ERA and a 35.2% strikeout rate over 34 2/3 innings in 2025. He also achieved a career-best 50.7% ground-ball rate despite navigating a career-high 16.2% walk rate.
The players
Félix Bautista
He is a dominant relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles known for his high-velocity fastball and effectiveness in high-leverage late-inning situations.
Baltimore Orioles
This professional Major League Baseball franchise is based in Baltimore and currently competes in the American League East division.
The details
The Orioles reinstated Bautista following a rigorous 14-month recovery from August 2025 surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. He last appeared in a major league game on July 20, 2025, after previously missing the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery.
Timeline
2024 season: Bautista recovered from Tommy John surgery.
July 20, 2025: Bautista last appeared in a major league game.
August 2025: Bautista underwent rotator cuff and labrum surgery.
September 20, 2026: Bautista returns to the mound.
Season Trajectory
Bautista's return strengthens a pitching staff bracing for the intensity of the postseason. His presence provides the team with a proven high-leverage option as the Orioles compete for a top seed in the playoffs.
The addition of a healthy Bautista shortens the game for the Orioles by providing a reliable ninth-inning option during critical September matchups. Fantasy managers should monitor his pitch counts closely to determine his reliability in closing out games during the final week of the season.
The takeaway
The return of a premier late-inning arm offers the Orioles a massive strategic advantage heading into the postseason. Successful relief from significant injury relies on gradual increases in velocity and workload, which will be the focus for Bautista in his upcoming outings.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit the Baseball section.
Live Poll
Is it a good idea to rush injured star players back for a late playoff push?
