BREAKING NEWS: Baltimore Orioles star Félix Bautista who has recently moved up to 10th place on the team’s all-time saves list stuns fans and Leave head coach Tony Mansolino and the entire club speechless with major Announcements concerning………read more

Baltimore Orioles star closer Félix Bautista, who recently climbed to 10th place on the franchise’s all-time saves list, sent shockwaves through Camden Yards and the entire baseball world today with a stunning, emotional announcement that left manager Tony Mansolino and the entire team speechless.

The towering right-hander, affectionately nicknamed “The Mountain” for his intimidating presence on the mound, called a surprise press conference hours before the Orioles’ home game. Media, teammates, and coaches gathered expecting routine comments on his milestone save achievement—his 10th-place move putting him among legends of the club.

Instead, Bautista fought back tears as he revealed his decision to step away from baseball for the rest of the season to address persistent elbow issues and prioritize his long-term health.

> “I’ve given everything I have to this team, this city, and this game,” Bautista said in Spanish through a translator. “But my body is telling me I need to stop. I need to take care of my health so I can be there for my family and maybe return stronger.”

The announcement drew an audible gasp in the room. Manager Tony Mansolino, who had praised Bautista as the team’s emotional anchor and most reliable bullpen arm, was reportedly at a loss for words at first.

> “He’s been the heart of our bullpen. This is tough,” Mansolino said later. “But we respect and support his decision. Félix has nothing but love and gratitude from this clubhouse.”

Bautista’s dominant 2025 campaign had been a major reason the Orioles sit atop the AL East. He’s posted a 2.01 ERA with 64 career saves, reaching the milestone mark just last week in dramatic fashion. His devastating splitter and 100-mph fastball made him one of baseball’s most feared closers—and a fan favorite in Baltimore.

Fans immediately took to social media to share messages of support, using hashtags like..

Baltimore’s front office said it would place Bautista on the 60-day injured list, leaving open the possibility of a 2026 return but offering no guarantees. Speculation swirled about who might take over the closer role, with setup man Yennier Cano and newcomer Bryan Baker named as likely options.

For Bautista, the moment was about gratitude more than farewell.

> “Baltimore is my home. These fans are my family. This is not goodbye forever,” he told the crowd, drawing applause even as tears flowed.

As the Orioles chase their first World Series berth in over four decades, they’ll do it without their ace closer—but with a renewed sense of unity in his honor.

Stay tuned for updates on roster moves, bullpen strategy, and Bautista’s recovery plans.