Young spoke on his recent struggles after pitching just four innings in his start on Monday.
With a chance to secure what would have been a massive statement sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays, the Baltimore Orioles turned to Brandon Young to toe the rubber in the series finale. However, his recent struggles continued against their division rival.
In four innings of work, Young allowed a total of eight hits and four runs, while also fanning just three batters. Ultimately, he put the Orioles in position to go to their bullpen earlier than they had hoped in a game they ended up losing by just one run.
Over his last four starts, the right-hander has posted a 5.40 ERA and an 8.7% strikeout to walk rate. Though Young has seen a breakout campaign this season, some inconsistencies have riddled his recent stretch.
After Monday’s loss, Young said that he had been dealing with some finger pain in his throwing hand over the last month or two, which could play a part in why those struggles have been occurring.
“Nothing too bad. It’s just middle of the season stuff,” Young said, according to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. “I don’t think it’s really hindering me in any way.”
Young had shaken his hand multiple times on the mound in his start. He also noted that the finger pain does not impact him and his throwing, but did say that he does feel it from time to time.
One development of note to Young’s finger is the heftier workload he has taken on as one of the Orioles’ most productive starters all year. He is already well over his previous totals in innings pitched in a season.
Prior to this season, Young’s career-high in innings in a season across multiple levels pitched was 111, which he had reached in 2024. After throwing just 91 innings last season, Young has now thrown 134 ⅓ frames this year. Since he surpassed his previous career-high, Young has allowed 13 runs across 20 innings in that span.
Young spoke on if he has felt any differences on the mound regarding his workload, shooting down any issues with it.
"Not really. Just going off tonight, I just didn't feel good. We had a good game plan, I made pitches here and there, but then I made mistakes throughout the game,” Young said. “Just didn’t pitch good tonight and put my team in a hole. I’ll be better next time out, execute better.”
Young has enjoyed a breakout campaign in his second career season, recording a 3.52 ERA and a 9-3 record through 21 starts this season. He has consistently given the Orioles an arm to rely on in the rotation, and the hope is that his recent struggles can be solved remotely soon.
