Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff has faced a significant setback as Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This marks another blow to an already injury-stricken rotation.
Injury Woes Continue
The Orioles have been hit hard by injuries this season. John Means and Tyler Wells, both essential pieces of the pitching roster, also required elbow surgeries. Adding to the troubles, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps, further depleting the team's pitching options.
Maintaining a Strong Rotation
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current lineup includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA.
Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot in the rotation, delivering consistent performances that have helped stabilize the team's pitching amidst the injuries.
Potential Trade Candidates
Given the current state of the rotation, the Orioles may look to bolster their pitching staff through trades. Several potential trade candidates stand out as viable options to reinforce their rotation.
Jesús Luzardo
Jesús Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118. His consistent performance could make him a valuable addition to the Orioles' rotation.
Paul Blackburn
Paul Blackburn is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Since 2022, Blackburn has been a league-average starter, and his return to form could provide the Orioles with a reliable arm.
Tyler Anderson
Tyler Anderson comes with a higher price tag, being owed over $20 million through next season. However, his experience and skill set might justify the investment for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde's recent performance has been noteworthy, making him an intriguing option for the Orioles. His ability to deliver quality starts could provide much-needed depth to the rotation.
Nick Martinez
Nick Martinez has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, showcasing his versatility. He has a $12 million player option for next year, which adds a financial consideration to any potential trade.
Austin Gomber
Austin Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, making him an attractive option for the Orioles. His ability to be a cost-effective solution could also weigh in his favor.
Cal Quantrill
Similar to Gomber, Cal Quantrill comes with another year of team control. His addition to the Orioles' rotation would provide depth and future stability.
Reid Detmers
Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA. If he can turn his season around, his potential makes him a candidate worth considering.
Braxton Garrett
Braxton Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022. However, he has dealt with a shoulder impingement, which could be a point of concern.
Garrett Crochet
Garrett Crochet is known for his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider. With an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, he could be a valuable asset to the Orioles.
Crucial Decisions Ahead
Exploring trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they aim to remain competitive. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for a playoff spot. Strengthening the rotation through strategic trades could be the key to overcoming the injury challenges they currently face.
As the Orioles navigate this difficult period, the performance of their pitchers and the potential additions to the roster will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The front office's ability to make decisive moves in the trade market will likely determine the trajectory of their season.