Orioles’ Bautista exits game in 9th with arm discomfort

Baltimore Orioles All-Star closer Felix Bautista left Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the ninth inning with right arm discomfort, according to Baltimore Banner’s Danielle Allentuck.

Bautista recorded the first two outs of the inning and had two strikes on Michael Toglia before uncorking a 102.3-mph fastball for ball two. Bautista immediately looked uncomfortable and walked off the field with the training staff.

Félix Bautista was just a pitch away from ending this game but had to leave after throwing this one. Hope he’s okay. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vdIMNG8FLc

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) August 26, 2023

Left-hander Danny Coulombe came on in relief and struck out Toglia to secure the save and a 5-4 victory for the AL East-leading Orioles.

Following the game, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Bautista is undergoing further evaluation.

“When the best closer in the game leaves the game, that’s never a good feeling,” Hyde said, according to The Baltimore Sun. “Hopefully he’s OK tomorrow.”

Bautista has emerged as baseball’s most dominant relief pitcher this season. The 28-year-old leads all relievers with a staggering 16.26 K/9 and boasts a 1.48 ERA with 33 saves across 56 appearances in 2023.

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