Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
In a significant blow to their pitching staff, the Baltimore Orioles will be without Kyle Bradish for the remainder of the season after he underwent elbow surgery. This setback adds to the string of injuries that have plagued the team's rotation this year.
Injury Woes for the Orioles
The Orioles' pitching staff has been hit particularly hard by injuries. John Means and Tyler Wells have also needed elbow surgeries, compounding the team's challenges. In addition to these losses, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps, further depleting the rotation.
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. The current rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, demonstrating the resilience and depth of their pitching staff.
Bright Spot in the Rotation
Albert Suárez has been a bright spot in the rotation, providing much-needed stability. His performance has been a key factor in helping the team stay competitive despite the series of injuries.
Exploring Trade Options
With the injuries mounting, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential trade candidates have been identified, offering a range of options that could help the team remain competitive.
Jesús Luzardo has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. His consistency and performance make him an attractive option. Meanwhile, Paul Blackburn, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, has been a league-average starter since 2022, offering stability to the rotation.
Tyler Anderson, although owed over $20 million through next season, is another potential candidate. Erick Fedde's recent performance also makes him an intriguing option for the Orioles to consider. Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, holds a $12 million player option for next year, adding flexibility to potential negotiations.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill both offer another year of team control after this season, adding value beyond immediate needs. Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, though he has struggled with his ERA. Nonetheless, his potential for improvement could make him a valuable addition.
Braxton Garrett, posting a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances starting from 2022, provides another solid option. However, he has dealt with a shoulder impingement, which is a factor to consider. Garrett Crochet, notable for his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider, brings an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a particularly appealing target.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
Exploring trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they aim to reinforce their rotation amidst the injury crisis. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks will likely have a significant impact on Baltimore's ability to compete as the season progresses.
Overall, the Orioles have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Maintaining their performance while dealing with key injuries will be a testament to their depth and strategy. As the trade window approaches, the team's management will need to navigate these challenges carefully to ensure they remain in contention.