Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles have been struck by the injury bug, taking a significant hit to their pitching staff. The latest blow came when Kyle Bradish was announced to be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery.
Bradish's surgery epitomizes a challenging year for the Orioles' rotation, which has seen several key pitchers sidelined due to injuries. In addition to Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells have also required elbow surgeries, while Dean Kremer is currently dealing with a strained triceps.
Current Rotation Adjustments
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a sturdy rotation. The current rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, this group has performed admirably under pressure, contributing to the team's impressive third-place ranking in rotation ERA as they headed into Wednesday's games.
Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot in what could have been a tumultuous season for Baltimore. His consistent performances have provided stability and reliability, much needed amidst the injuries that have plagued the pitching staff.
Potential Trade Candidates
As the Orioles aim to reinforce their rotation for the rest of the season, they may look to the trade market for solutions. Several pitchers could be potential trade targets for Baltimore, each offering a different set of strengths and weaknesses.
Jesús Luzardo
Jesús Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118. His ability to deliver strong outings consistently makes him an attractive option for any team looking to bolster their rotation.
Paul Blackburn
Paul Blackburn is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Since 2022, Blackburn has been a league-average starter, offering a solid, albeit unspectacular, presence on the mound. His recovery will be closely monitored by teams in need of pitching depth.
Tyler Anderson
Tyler Anderson comes with a financial consideration, owed over $20 million through the next season. Despite the hefty price tag, his proven track record could be worth the investment for a team like the Orioles, aiming to make a deep postseason run.
Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde's recent performances have made him an intriguing trade option. His ability to step up might fill the void left by the Orioles' injured players.
Nick Martinez
Nick Martinez has spent his season splitting time between the rotation and the bullpen. He holds a $12 million player option for next year, adding a layer of financial complexity to any potential trade. Nevertheless, his versatility makes him a valuable asset.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill
Both Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill offer another year of team control, making them appealing long-term investments. Gomber provides stability, while Quantrill has shown potential to deliver significant upside.
Reid Detmers
Reid Detmers has exhibited improved pitch metrics, though he has struggled with his ERA. His advanced metrics suggest that he could potentially turn things around, making him a high-risk, high-reward option.
Braxton Garrett
Braxton Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ over 55 appearances starting from 2022 but has dealt with a shoulder impingement. His recent track record makes him a desirable candidate, assuming he can overcome his current injury issues.
Garrett Crochet
Garrett Crochet's skill set, featuring a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider, is tantalizing for any team. With an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Crochet could provide the Orioles with a dominant arm for their rotation.
The Path Forward
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the remainder of the season. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete, not only for this season but potentially for seasons to come.
Despite the injuries, the Orioles have demonstrated resilience. By strategically adding to their rotation, they may solidify their chances of a successful campaign. The coming weeks will be pivotal as they seek the right fits to fortify their pitching staff and make a strong push towards the postseason.