Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
In a significant blow to the Baltimore Orioles, Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. The injury-stricken Orioles' pitching staff has been hit hard, with several key members sidelined.
Injury Woes Plague Orioles’ Pitching Staff
The Orioles’ pitching staff is enduring a rash of injuries that have depleted their rotation. In addition to Kyle Bradish, pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells also required elbow surgeries earlier in the season. These key players' absences have put a strain on the team’s depth.
Dean Kremer, another vital pitcher for the Orioles, is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation thanks to some adept management and promising performances from other team members.
Current Rotation Holds Strong
The Orioles’ current rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. This group has admirably filled the gaps left by their injured colleagues. As of this writing, the Orioles’ rotation is ranked third in terms of ERA, a testament to their resilience and the contributions of the remaining healthy pitchers.
Particularly noteworthy is Albert Suárez, who has emerged as a bright spot in the rotation. His consistent performance has been instrumental in keeping the Orioles competitive during this challenging period.
Potential Trade Candidates to Bolster the Rotation
Given the current state of their pitching staff, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential trade candidates could provide the team with the necessary depth and quality.
Jesús Luzardo is one such candidate who has been impressive since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118. His past performances suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Orioles’ rotation.
Another option is Paul Blackburn, who is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Despite the injury, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022 and could provide reliable innings for the Orioles.
Tyler Anderson is also on the Orioles' radar, though his acquisition would come with a significant financial commitment, as he is owed over $20 million through next season.
Erick Fedde's recent performance could make him an intriguing option for the Orioles. Similarly, Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, could offer flexibility. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, which adds a layer of consideration for any potential trade.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill are other names that have surfaced in trade discussions. Both pitchers offer an additional year of team control, making them attractive options.
Younger Arms Show Promise, But Come with Questions
Several younger pitchers also present potential for the Orioles but come with certain risks. Reid Detmers, for instance, has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA this season. Similarly, Braxton Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, though he has dealt with a shoulder impingement.
Garrett Crochet is another interesting candidate, equipped with a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider. Crochet boasts an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, showing his potential as a high-impact addition to the Orioles’ bullpen or rotation.
Crucial Decisions Ahead
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the second half of the season. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete. With key players out and the rotation under pressure, the Orioles' front office faces a critical period.
Despite the injuries, the Orioles have shown resilience and adaptability. Bolstering their rotation through strategic trades could make all the difference as they aim to stay competitive in a challenging season. The next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of their campaign.