How will Orioles use Tyler Wells next season? | MAILBAG

Question: I understand Tyler Wells will be back early in 2025. Do you see him as a starter or reliever next year and will he be ready on opening day? From: Barry Culman

Answer: Barry, I’m not sure where you got the impression that Tyler Wells would be back early in 2025. The Orioles haven’t announced a timetable on him. He had elbow surgery in June, which wasn’t Tommy John surgery, and that often has a recovery timetable of about 12 months, so perhaps it’s possible he’ll returns late in the first half of the season.

We don’t know who will be in the Orioles’ starting rotation next season, and if there will be injuries to the starters in the first couple of months of 2025. Nor do we know how the bullpen will be constructed.

I’d say that the Orioles would be open to using Wells in either role, but I think he’d more valuable as a starter. That’s a question for spring training.

Question: What’s the situation with Tucker Davidson? He declared for free agency after pitching well in a late-season appearance. Any chance he’s someone the Orioles pursue? From: Kurt Richardson

Answer: Kurt, Tucker Davidson cleared waivers, which surprised me, after he pitched well in the penultimate regular-season game of the season. I think the Orioles would be interested in having him back, but because he spent the entire minor league season with Norfolk, I’d guess that he’ll look for a situation where he may get more opportunities than he did with the Orioles this season.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.