In a significant setback for the Baltimore Orioles, pitcher Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season following elbow surgery. This marks another blow to the Orioles' pitching staff, which has already been hit hard by injuries this season.
Injury Woes for the Orioles
Bradish is not the only pitcher the Orioles will be without. John Means and Tyler Wells also required elbow surgeries earlier this season, and Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. This string of injuries has tested the depth of Baltimore's pitching staff.
Solid Rotation Despite Setbacks
Despite these injuries, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current lineup includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. This group has performed admirably, with the team entering Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA. Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot and has stepped up in the absence of other key pitchers.
Exploring Trade Options
With the season progressing and the Orioles aiming to stay competitive, the team may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential trade candidates could help fill the gaps left by the injured pitchers.
One option is Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. Luzardo could offer a much-needed boost if the Orioles can acquire him. Paul Blackburn is another interesting candidate, although he is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022, and his return to form could be valuable for the Orioles.
Additionally, Tyler Anderson could be an option, though he is owed over $20 million through next season, which may be a financial consideration for the Orioles. Erick Fedde's recent performance has made him an intriguing option, and Nick Martinez, who has split this season between the rotation and the bullpen, could also be a versatile addition. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, which adds an element of contractual complexity to any potential deal.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill both offer another year of team control beyond this season, providing longer-term stability if acquired. Both pitchers could help shore up the Orioles' rotation as they navigate the final months of the season.
Younger Options for Long-Term Success
Reid Detmers is another name worth noting. Despite struggling with his ERA, his improved pitch metrics suggest potential upside if he can find consistency. Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, has also dealt with a shoulder impingement. If healthy, Garrett could be a valuable asset.
Garrett Crochet, with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider, presents another interesting option. Crochet boasts an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a potential high-impact player for the Orioles.
Crucial Weeks Ahead
As the Orioles weigh their options and explore potential trades, the decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for the rest of the season. With a third-place ranking in rotation ERA and a mix of experienced and younger pitchers, the Orioles have a foundation to build on, but adding the right pieces could be crucial to their success.
Navigating the trade market will require astute judgment from the Orioles' front office. Balancing the immediate need for reliable starters with the long-term goal of building a competitive team will be the challenge facing Baltimore. Fans will be eager to see how the team addresses these issues and whether the Orioles can overcome their injury woes to make a strong push in the latter part of the season.