Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This marks another significant blow to the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff, already reeling from multiple injuries.
The Injury Plague
John Means and Tyler Wells, both key components of the Orioles' rotation, have also required elbow surgeries, adding to the team's woes. Dean Kremer is sidelined with a strained triceps, further depleting the Orioles' pitching arsenal.
Current Rotation
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current lineup includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Impressively, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to the depth and resilience of their pitching staff.
Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot in the rotation, consistently delivering strong performances.
Potential Trade Candidates
With the trade deadline approaching, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through strategic trades. Several pitchers around the league could be potential targets for Baltimore.
Jesús Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118. His consistent performance makes him an attractive candidate.
Paul Blackburn, recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, has also been a league-average starter since 2022. His recovery and return to form could provide a boost for the Orioles.
Tyler Anderson is another option, although he is owed over $20 million through next season. This financial commitment might be a point of consideration for Baltimore.
Erick Fedde's recent performance could make him an intriguing option for the Orioles. He has shown the potential to be a reliable contributor.
Nick Martinez has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen. With a $12 million player option for next year, Martinez offers flexibility and experience.
Austin Gomber presents another viable candidate, with another year of team control after this season. His extended control could give the Orioles some stability moving forward.
Cal Quantrill, like Gomber, comes with another year of team control. His availability on the trade market could be advantageous for Baltimore.
Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA. His potential upside might be worth the risk for the Orioles.
Braxton Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances starting from 2022, although he has dealt with a shoulder impingement. If healthy, he could be a valuable addition.
Garrett Crochet, with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider, has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His talent and current form could make him a top trade target.
Impact of Upcoming Decisions
Exploring trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they aim to remain competitive despite their injury-riddled rotation. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks will significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete in the tightly contested league.
Securing the right reinforcements through trades could not only address their immediate needs but also lay a strong foundation for future success. The Orioles are in a pivotal position, and strategic moves in the trade market could define the trajectory of their season and beyond.
As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on Baltimore's front office to see how they navigate this challenging period and what moves they make to keep their postseason hopes alive.