The return of John Means this past weekend may not have been as highly anticipated as that of Kyle Bradish a few days prior, but the results were even better. Over seven shutout innings the 31-year-old southpaw allowed just three hits, struck out eight, and did not issue any walks. It was a dominant performance that may have also reflected his well-earned veteran sensibilities.
Means is one of the the longest tenured members of the team, having pitched in each of the Orioles last seven seasons. It doesn’t always feel that way because over the last two years he has appeared in just six total games, the result of Tommy John surgery, setbacks during rehab, and a delayed start to 2024.