Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This news comes as a significant blow to the Baltimore Orioles, whose pitching staff has been severely impacted by injuries this season.
Injury-Plagued Pitching Staff
The Orioles have seen their fair share of injuries this season. John Means and Tyler Wells both required elbow surgeries, further depleting the team's roster. Adding to their woes, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation, showing the depth and resilience of their team.
The current rotation consists of Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Their performance has been commendable, with the Orioles entering Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA. Notably, Albert Suárez has been a bright spot in the rotation, consistently delivering strong performances when called upon.
Potential Trade Candidates
With the injuries piling up, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential candidates could be valuable additions to the team's rotation:
- Jesús Luzardo: Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, posting an ERA+ of 118. His consistency could provide much-needed stability to the Orioles' rotation.
- Paul Blackburn: Currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022. He could serve as a reliable arm once he’s back to full health.
- Tyler Anderson: Despite being owed over $20 million through next season, Anderson could be an experienced addition with a strong track record.
- Erick Fedde: Fedde’s recent performance has been noteworthy, and he could be an intriguing option for the Orioles as they seek to strengthen their roster.
- Nick Martinez: Martinez has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen and holds a $12 million player option for next year. His versatility could prove beneficial for the Orioles.
- Austin Gomber: Offering another year of team control after this season, Gomber could be a valuable long-term addition.
- Cal Quantrill: Like Gomber, Quantrill also comes with another year of team control, making him a potentially strategic acquisition.
- Reid Detmers: Despite struggling with his ERA, Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, indicating potential for positive contributions.
- Braxton Garrett: Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances starting from 2022, though he has dealt with a shoulder impingement. If healthy, he could be a solid option.
- Garrett Crochet: Known for his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider, Crochet has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He could be a significant asset to the Orioles' rotation.
The Road Ahead
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the challenging landscape of their current season. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete. Securing reliable and effective arms will be key to sustaining their performance as they aim to make a strong push for the postseason.
In conclusion, the Orioles have managed to stay competitive despite numerous injuries to their pitching staff. The addition of one or more of the potential trade candidates could bolster their rotation, providing the team with the depth and skill needed to maintain their ranking and push towards their postseason goals. With strategic decisions, the Orioles can overcome these adversities and continue their quest for excellence in the league.