Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a tough period in their season as they cope with numerous injuries within their pitching staff. The latest blow comes with the news that Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery.
Bradish's injury is part of a larger trend affecting the Orioles' pitching staff. John Means and Tyler Wells have also required elbow surgeries, while Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a relatively solid rotation.
Current Rotation and Performance
The Orioles' current rotation consists of Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. This group has helped the Orioles maintain a competitive edge, with their rotation ranking third in ERA as of Wednesday.
A standout among them has been Albert Suárez, who has consistently delivered strong performances. Suárez's contributions have been one of the bright spots in an otherwise challenging season.
Exploring Trade Candidates
To bolster their rotation amid the injuries, the Orioles may look to explore potential trade options. Several pitchers could be under consideration:
Jesús Luzardo: Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, with an ERA+ of 118. He could provide the Orioles with a reliable arm if acquired.
Paul Blackburn: Recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022.
Tyler Anderson: Owed over $20 million through next season, Anderson comes with significant financial implications, but his experience could be valuable for the Orioles.
Erick Fedde: Fedde's recent performance has caught attention, making him an intriguing option for bolstering the rotation.
Nick Martinez: Martinez has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen. With a $12 million player option for next year, his versatility could be beneficial.
Austin Gomber: Gomber provides another year of team control after this season, making him an attractive option for long-term planning.
Cal Quantrill: Similar to Gomber, Quantrill comes with another year of team control, which could be advantageous for the Orioles' rotation stability.
Reid Detmers: Though Detmers has struggled with his ERA, his improved pitch metrics indicate potential for future success.
Braxton Garrett: Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances starting from 2022 but has dealt with a shoulder impingement that could be a concern.
Garrett Crochet: Known for his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider, Crochet boasts an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, yet his injury history could be a factor to consider.
Impact of Upcoming Decisions
As the Orioles navigate this challenging period, the decisions they make in the upcoming weeks will be crucial. Exploring trade options to bolster the rotation may be key to their continued competitiveness. The choices made could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to remain in contention through the rest of the season.
In conclusion, while injuries have plagued the Orioles' pitching staff, the resilience shown by the current rotation and the potential for strategic trades offer a glimmer of hope. The next steps will determine how well they can overcome their current challenges and push forward in a demanding season.