Baltimore Orioles left-hander Nick Vespi (hernia) had successful hernia surgery on Thursday morning that was performed by Dr. Russell Novak. Vespi will begin his rehab in Sarasota, Fla., next week. The Orioles expect him to be available for the early part of the 2023 season. The 27-year-old southpaw made his major-league debut for the O's in 2022 and went a perfect 5-0 with a 4.10 ERA (4.48 FIP), a 1.40 WHIP, one save, 28 strikeouts and eight walks in 26 1/3 relief innings. The Orioles will be hoping he can provide them with more solid left-handed relief depth in 2023, but he won't be on the fantasy radar at all.

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Seth Johnson (elbow), who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, said he's "hoping to be able to pitch by next August, maybe in some Complex League games." Johnson came to Baltimore in a three-team trade that involved the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros on Aug. 1. Per MLB Pipeline, Johnson is Baltimore's No. 10 prospect. In seven games before his injury in 2022, he had a 3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 41 strikeouts and 11 walks in 27 innings for High-A Bowling Green. The O's like what they have long term in the 24-year-old, but he won't be at 100 percent until 2024. Johnson is a late bloomer with a high-90s fastball and a swing-and-miss slider as his primary offerings.

The Baltimore Orioles outrighted catcher Aramis Garcia to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday and reinstated right-hander Chris Ellis (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and outrighted him to Norfolk. Garcia joined Baltimore's roster at the end of the regular season when he was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. In 47 games with the Reds in 2022, Garcia slashed .213/.248/.259 with a homer, four RBI, six runs scored and 34 strikeouts in 115 plate appearances. Ellis made just two starts with the Orioles this year and allowed five earned runs on five hits while walking six and striking out two over just 4 1/3 innings pitched. The 30-year-old had season-ending shoulder surgery in May, and it's unknown if he'll be ready for spring training next year.

Baltimore Orioles left-hander John Means (elbow) posted a video on his Twitter page of himself throwing on Monday. Means has begun his recovery from Tommy John surgery in April. There remains no timetable for his return next year, but fantasy managers should fully expect him to start the regular season on the injured list. The 29-year-old southpaw pitched in just two games in 2022 before going under the knife, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out seven in eight innings. Means will mostly likely miss at least the first couples months of the 2023 season before returning to Baltimore's rotation. It remains to be seen if he can rediscover his All-Star form from the 2019 season.

Baltimore Orioles right-handed rookie reliever Felix Bautista (knee) is being shut down for the final three games of the regular season this week due to left knee discomfort. Manager Brandon Hyde said it isn't a long-term injury and Bautista isn't expected to have any worries in the offseason. The 27-year-old Dominican burst onto the scene in his first MLB season and posted a 2.19 ERA (2.92 FIP), a 0.93 WHIP, 15 saves and 88 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings pitched in his 65 relief appearances. Based on how he pitched in his first season with the O's, he should be expected to open the 2023 as Baltimore favorite to close. With Bautista out for the final three games this week, Dillon Tate should receive any save chances that arise.

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Felix Bautista (knee) has some soreness in his left knee after sustaining an injury on Friday. The 27-year-old jammed his knee in the eighth inning of a 2-1 win over the Yankees. It's unclear if he'll be available on Sunday but there's a good chance he won't pitch anymore this season with Baltimore being eliminated from playoff contention on Friday. Bautista had an excellent season for the Orioles, though, putting together a 2.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 88:23 K/BB ratio with 15 saves and 14 holds.

The Baltimore Orioles placed infielder Ramon Urias (knee) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a right knee sprain. The Orioles also recalled left-hander Keegan Akin, infielder Tyler Nevin and right-hander Beau Sulser from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned right-hander Joey Krehbiel and right-hander Jake Reed to Norfolk. Urias had three hits and fell just short of hitting for the cycle on Tuesday, but he also injured his knee in the process and won't play again in 2022. The 28-year-old utility infielder will wrap up his third season in the big leagues with a .248/.305/.414 slash line and career-highs in home runs (16), RBI (51) and runs scored (50) in 445 plate appearances over 118 games played.

Baltimore Orioles infielder Ramon Urias (knee) exited Tuesday's 13-9 loss to the Red Sox in the fifth inning with right knee discomfort, per BaltimoreBaseball.com's Rich Dubroff. Urias went 3-for-3 with a solo home run, a triple, and a single before being pinch-run for by Jorge Mateo. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out for further updates, but Urias can likely be considered day-to-day. Urias has been a useful fantasy option at times this season, slashing .248/.305/.414 with 16 HR and 51 RBI.

The Baltimore Orioles placed right-hander Tyler Wells (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Friday with right shoulder inflammation and recalled right-hander Spenser Watkins from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Well's injured list move is retroactive to Sept. 20. The 28-year-old will be eligible to return for the final day of the regular season, so his 2022 campaign is effectively over. Expect Watkins to take Wells' spot in the starting rotation the rest of the way. Wells allowed five runs against the Detroit Tigers on Monday in what will be his final start of the year. Overall, he went 7-7 for the Orioles in his second major-league season with a 4.25 ERA (4.52 FIP), a 1.14 WHIP, 76 strikeouts and 28 walks in 103 2/3 innings over 23 starts.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (triceps) is back in the starting lineup on Monday against the Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tyler Alexander, serving as the designated hitter and batting third. Mountcastle was hit by a pitch on Saturday and missed Sunday's contest, but he's good to go on Monday. Jesus Aguilar is starting at first base and is hitting fifth on Monday. In 15 games in the month of September, Mountcastle has gone 13-for-53 (.245) with four home runs, 13 RBI and six runs scored. However, in his last seven games, he has just four hits in 22 at-bats with four strikeouts. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Mountcastle will get hot over the final couple weeks of the regular season.

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez (lat) tossed five shutout innings in his start for Triple-A Norfolk on Friday night. He allowed two hits while walking one and striking out four batters. Rodriguez was activated from the minor league injured list and is recovered from a late strain that he suffered in early June. If he continues to show good results on the farm, there's a good chance he could make his long-awaited MLB debut before the end of the 2022 regular season. The 22-year-old is the No. 4 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline, and he should already be stashed in all dynasty/keeper leagues. In his 12 starts for Norfolk in 2022, Rodriguez has gone 6-1 with a 1.92 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 84 strikeouts and 15 walks in 61 innings pitched.

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez (lat) allowed four earned runs on just one hit while walking three and striking out seven in 2 2/3 innings in his minor league rehab start for Double-A Bowie on Sunday. The No. 4 prospect in all of baseball, per MLB Pipeline, will now report to Triple-A Norfolk to rejoin their starting rotation. It remains to be seen if Rodriguez will make his debut to close out the 2022 regular season at the end of September. The 22-year-old right-hander has gone 5-1 this year with a 2.09 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 80 strikeouts and 14 walks in 56 innings over 11 starts at Norfolk in 2022. The best bet is that the Orioles play it safe and have Rodriguez compete for a starting spot in the rotation out of spring training next year.

Baltimore Orioles rookie closer Felix Bautista (arm) was available out of the bullpen on Sunday in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox. He's now recovered from the arm fatigue he felt after his six-out save over the Toronto Blue Jays last Tuesday. Manager Brandon Hyde said the bout of arm fatigue likely won't change Bautista's usage down the stretch, other than wanting to avoid using him for multiple innings. Bautista already leads the team in appearances with 60, a mark just seven behind the franchise's rookie record. The 27-year-old has been electric for Baltimore in 2022, posting a 1.62 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 12 saves and 80 strikeouts in 61 innings. Dillon Tate picked up a save with Bautista unavailable on Friday, but Bautista should get the team's next save chance.

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Rougned Odor (hand) is listed as day-to-day after he left Sunday's game early against the Boston Red Sox with a right hand contusion after being hit by a pitch. X-rays came back negative, so he could return to the starting lineup as soon as Tuesday for the series opener against the Washington Nationals after an off day on Monday. The 28-year-old left-handed hitter still has a little pop left in his bat (12 home runs), but he's slashing just .199/.269/.355 with 44 RBI, 45 runs scored and six stolen bases in 428 plate appearances over 123 games for the Orioles this year and is only an option down the stretch in deeper fantasy leagues.

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Felix Bautista (arm) played catch on Saturday and could be available to pitch, according to manager Brandon Hyde. The Orioles dominant closer didn't come in to pitch in a save situation on Friday, and Hyde told reporters after that Bautista is dealing with arm fatigue. It sounds like if he isn't ready to go today he will be good for tomorrow at the latest, so things are looking positive for the big righty and his fantasy owners. He has an outstanding 1.62 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 80 K in 61 IP while converting 12 of 13 save opportunities. He needs to be rostered in any league where saves matter.

Baltimore Orioles rookie closer Felix Bautista (arm) is dealing with arm fatigue, according to skipper Brandon Hyde. It explains why Dillon Tate came in to earn his fourth save of the year on Friday in the 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The Orioles want to give Bautista a few more days to rest, so if another save opportunity comes up again for Baltimore on Saturday or Sunday, it could be Tate or Cionel Perez getting the save chance. Fantasy managers should consider Bautista to be day-to-day-for now. The 27-year-old Dominican right-hander has been excellent for the contending O's in 2022, posting a 1.62 ERA (2.87 FIP), a 0.82 WHIP, 12 saves and 80 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched this year.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Tyler Wells (oblique) is being activated from the 15-day injured list and will start on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Wells only threw 31 pitches in his minor league rehab start, so there's a good chance he won't have a long leash against a tough opponent in his first start back. Fantasy managers would be wise to avoid Wells this evening. The 28-year-old has been solid for the O's in 2022, going 7-6 with a 3.90 ERA (4.39 FIP), a 1.11 WHIP, 68 strikeouts and 23 walks in 94 2/3 innings over his 20 starts in his second major league season. However, his 17.8 percent strikeout rate has left a lot to be desired in fantasy leagues.

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Jordan Lyles (illness) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Monday in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays. Instead, Keegan Akin will get the nod after Mike Baumann threw the opener. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues will have to make the adjustment. Lyles has gone 10-9 on the season in 27 starts with a 4.25 ERA (4.27 FIP), 1.44 WHIP, 123 strikeouts and 48 walks in 152 1/3 innings pitched. This will be Akin's first start of the year. In 37 relief appearances, he's been solid with a 2.70 ERA (3.70 FIP), a 1.00 WHIP, two saves and a 62:16 K:BB in 70 innings. He'll essentially serve as the team's opener in the nightcap, making him one to avoid in fantasy.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (lat) will make a minor league rehab start on Tuesday for the Double-A Bowie Bay Sox. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect strained his lat back in June and is slowly but surely working his way back. He worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings in his first rehab start at High-A Aberdeen earlier in the week so Tuesday's upcoming start is the next step forward in his progression. There's a small chance he pitches in the majors this year but it's more likely that the Orioles don't rush him back and save the dynamic hurler for 2023.

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (lat) allowed two walks while striking out one across 1 1/3 innings in Thursday's rehab start with High-A Aberdeen. It was his first appearance since June 1. The 22-year-old owns a 2.09 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and an 80:14 K: BB across 56 innings with Triple-A Norfolk in 2022. He will continue to build up his pitch count and could join the Orioles when rosters expand sometime in September. Fantasy managers in deep-league formats should continue to stash Rodriguez on their rosters for now.

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells (oblique) will begin a minor league rehab assignment with High-A Aberdeen on Friday, according to the team. Wells is ready to pitch in a live game after he threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday. It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old will return to Baltimore's starting rotation or bullpen when he's activated from the injured list, but either way, he won't have much fantasy upside the rest of the way in September. Wells has made 20 starts for the O's over 94 2/3 innings pitched this year, posting a 7-6 record, 3.90 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, 68 strikeouts and 23 walks.

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez (lat) will reportedly make an appearance for the club's Advanced-A affiliate on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Dan Connolly. The right-hander's last start in the minors came on June 1 for Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate. Before landing on the injured list, Rodriguez made 11 starts at the highest level of the minors this season, pitching to a 2.09 ERA and a 1.68 FIP in 56 innings while logging 80 strikeouts. He also gave up just 14 walks and only one home run.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Tyler Wells (oblique) threw his second bullpen session on Thursday and all reports were positive. He will throw a live batting practice session soon, after which his plans will become more clear. It's undecided if Wells will return to the Orioles as a starter or reliever to close out the 2022 season. The 27-year-old right-hander has gone 7-6 this year with a 3.90 ERA (4.40 FIP), a 1.11 WHIP and a 68:23 K:BB in 94 2/3 innings over his 20 starts, but he'll obviously all of his fantasy value if he's coming out of the bullpen for Baltimore the rest of the way. He hasn't pitched in a major league game since July 27, so he'll likely need a minor league rehab assignment before being reinstated from the injured list.

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez (lat) faced live hitters for the first time during a live batting practice session in Florida on Wednesday, according to the team. Rodriguez is scheduled for a simulated game later in the week, which will be the next step before he potentially pitches in rehab games. The No. 4 prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline, was getting close to making his major league debut before getting injured, but it remains to be seen if he'll make his big-league debut in 2022 with the regular season winding to a close soon. The 22-year-old looked dominant in his 11 starts for Triple-A Norfolk before his injury, going 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP and an 80:14 K:BB in 56 innings. Rodriguez should be rostered in all dynasty/keeper formats.