Struggling Cionel Pérez faces uncertainty as Baltimore eyes reinforcements
The Baltimore Orioles made a quiet but telling move Monday afternoon, acquiring left-handed pitcher Grant Wolfram from the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that could have larger implications for the makeup of their bullpen.
While the transaction may not have made major headlines, it signals a shift in the Orioles’ approach to their relief corps—particularly concerning lefty Cionel Pérez. Once a reliable option out of the ‘pen, Pérez has struggled mightily in the early going this season, showing reduced velocity and a noticeable drop in effectiveness. His inability to miss bats or consistently record outs has put his role in jeopardy.
Enter Grant Wolfram, a post-hype left-hander who once carried prospect buzz with the Texas Rangers before moving through the minor league ranks and finding a home in the Brewers’ system. Though he hasn’t yet cracked a major league roster, Wolfram has shown flashes of potential, boasting intriguing stuff from the left side and recently putting together solid performances in Triple-A.
For the Orioles, Wolfram represents a low-risk, high-upside addition—someone who could stabilize the bullpen depth while pushing for innings should the current group falter. It’s also a sign that the front office isn’t standing still. With Baltimore eyeing another postseason push, the club appears willing to make proactive moves to keep its pitching staff sharp and competitive.
As for Pérez, the writing may be on the wall. After anchoring the bullpen through much of 2023, he now finds himself pitching for a spot on the roster. If his struggles continue, Wolfram—or another arm waiting in the wings—could be called upon to take his place.
Whether this trade marks the beginning of a bullpen reshuffle or simply a minor depth move remains to be seen. But for now, the Orioles are sending a clear message: performance matters, and the competition for innings is wide open.
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