Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles' pitching rotation has taken a significant hit with the recent announcement that Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season following elbow surgery. This is just one of several blows to the Orioles' staff, which has been riddled with injuries this season.
Injury Woes Plague Orioles' Pitching Staff
In addition to Bradish, the Orioles have also lost key pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells, both of whom required elbow surgeries. Moreover, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. These injuries have forced the Orioles to lean heavily on the depth of their rotation.
Current Rotation and Performance
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. The current rotation features Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Impressively, entering Wednesday, the Orioles were ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to the resilience and capability of their remaining pitchers.
Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot in the Orioles' rotation. His performances have provided a much-needed boost to a team that has been struggling with injuries throughout the season.
Potential Trade Candidates to Bolster Rotation
Given the current circumstances, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential candidates could be of interest:
- Jesús Luzardo: An impressive pitcher since 2022, Luzardo boasts an ERA+ of 118, making him a valuable candidate for any rotation.
- Paul Blackburn: Although recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022, and his experience could be an asset.
- Tyler Anderson: Anderson, who is owed over $20 million through next season, could provide stability but comes with a significant financial commitment.
- Erick Fedde: His recent performance makes him an intriguing option for the Orioles, who are in need of reliable starters.
- Nick Martinez: Splitting his season between the rotation and bullpen, Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, adding flexibility to his potential acquisition.
- Austin Gomber: Offering another year of team control after this season, Gomber could be a longer-term solution for the Orioles.
- Cal Quantrill: Like Gomber, Quantrill comes with an additional year of team control, providing a valuable option for the future.
- Reid Detmers: Although he has struggled with his ERA, Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, indicating potential for improvement.
- Braxton Garrett: Posting a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, Garrett has proven his capability, though he has dealt with a shoulder impingement.
- Garrett Crochet: Known for his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider, Crochet has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a highly desirable trade target.
Impact of Potential Trades
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they look to stay competitive in a challenging season. Bolstering their rotation with reliable and high-performing pitchers will determine their ability to remain in contention.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact Baltimore's chances of success. If the Orioles are able to secure the right additions to their rotation, they could mitigate the effects of their current injury woes and continue to perform at a high level.
As the trade deadline approaches, fans will be watching closely to see what moves the Orioles make, understanding that the path they choose will shape the rest of their season and their future aspirations.