After surgery and setbacks, Orioles’ John Means learned to smile through tough times

CINCINNATI — The most motivating — and most difficult — part of John Means’ recovery was how well the Orioles were playing.

Of course, he wanted the Orioles to win, and as they popped in 2022 and exploded in 2023, he was proud of his teammates who also survived the rebuild and in awe of the “kids” who arrived to transform Baltimore into a winner.

But it saddened him not to be there — on the field, on the mound — with them and contributing. Means was the Orioles’ best starting pitcher...