Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles have been dealt a significant blow with the news that Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This injury compounds an already challenging situation for the Orioles' pitching staff, which has been heavily affected by injuries this season.
Plagued by Injuries
The Orioles' rotation has faced numerous setbacks. Notably, John Means and Tyler Wells have also required elbow surgeries, further depleting the team's pitching arsenal. In addition to these injuries, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps, leaving the Orioles scrambling to fill the gaps in their roster.
Maintaining a Solid Rotation
Despite these challenges, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Currently, the rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to the resilience and depth of their staff.
One bright spot in the rotation has been Albert Suárez, who has delivered commendable performances and helped stabilize the rotation amid the injuries.
Exploring Trade Candidates
With the spate of injuries, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential candidates could provide the necessary support to keep the team competitive. Jesús Luzardo is one such option, boasting an impressive ERA+ of 118 since 2022. Another possibility is Paul Blackburn, who, despite recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, has been a league-average starter since 2022.
Tyler Anderson, although owed over $20 million through next season, could be another target if the Orioles are willing to take on his contract. Erick Fedde's recent performance makes him an intriguing option, while Nick Martinez, who has a $12 million player option for next year, has experience splitting his time between the rotation and the bullpen.
Additionally, Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill offer another year of team control, providing flexibility for the Orioles beyond this season.
Potential Under-the-Radar Solutions
Other potential trade targets include Reid Detmers, who, despite struggling with his ERA, has shown improved pitch metrics. Braxton Garrett, with a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, has dealt with a shoulder impingement but remains a viable option. Garrett Crochet, with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball and a cutter-slider combination, has posted an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a valuable potential addition.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate through this injury-ridden season. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks will significantly impact Baltimore's ability to remain competitive as they push forward. If they manage to secure the right candidates to bolster their rotation, they could still maintain their status as formidable contenders despite the challenges they face.
The Orioles' resilience in the face of adversity will be a key storyline as the season progresses. With a mix of strategic trades and the continued performance of their current rotation members, they aim to overcome the odds and make a strong showing in the remainder of the season.