Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a tough stretch as pitcher Kyle Bradish is out for the remainder of the season following elbow surgery. This is another blow to an already beleaguered pitching staff that has dealt with a spate of injuries this season.
Injury Woes in the Pitching Staff
Bradish isn’t the only pitcher on the Orioles’ injury list. John Means and Tyler Wells have also undergone surgeries for their elbows, contributing to an exorbitant number of setbacks for the team’s rotation. Additionally, Dean Kremer is sidelined due to a strained triceps.
Resilient Rotation Despite Setbacks
Despite these challenges, 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, the Orioles entered Wednesday ranked third in the league in rotation ERA, a testament to the resilience and skill of their pitchers. Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot in the rotation, providing critical performances when needed.
Potential Trade Candidates
Given the current state of their pitching staff, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Looking across the league, several potential candidates could provide the necessary depth.
Jesús Luzardo is one option, having been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. Another candidate is Paul Blackburn, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022 and could provide another arm for the Orioles.
Tyler Anderson, who is owed over $20 million through next season, is another potential target. Adding to the list is Erick Fedde, whose recent performance could make him an intriguing option for the Orioles.
Other Rotation Options
Nick Martinez offers flexibility as he has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, making him a potential short-term solution.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill both offer additional team control after this season. These pitchers could be attractive to the Orioles as they build for longer-term stability in their rotation.
Reid Detmers, while showing improved pitch metrics, has struggled with his ERA. If acquired, he would be a project for the Orioles' coaching staff. Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, has had some injury concerns but remains a viable candidate.
Garrett Crochet stands out as well with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider. Crochet has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio that would be a valuable addition to any bullpen or rotation.
The Importance of Strategic Decisions
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete this season. As they navigate these challenges, the goal will be to bring in reliable arms that can help maintain their current level of performance and push them further toward playoff contention.
The Orioles’ front office faces a critical period where strategic trades and acquisitions could change the trajectory of their season. In doing so, they hope to overcome the injuries that have plagued their roster and continue their quest for success in an incredibly competitive league.