Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish, a key member of the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff, will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This injury adds to an already challenging year for the team's rotation, which has faced a series of setbacks due to injuries.
Injury-Plagued Pitching Staff
Bradish’s absence is not the only blow to the Orioles' pitching lineup. John Means and Tyler Wells are also out of action, having required elbow surgeries earlier in the season. Dean Kremer, another vital arm in the rotation, is currently sidelined with a strained triceps.
Despite these significant injuries, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current lineup includes standout pitcher Corbin Burnes, rising star Grayson Rodriguez, and reliable contributors Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez.
Consistent Performance Amidst Adversity
Remarkably, the Orioles 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, delivering consistent performances that have kept the team competitive.
Potential Trade Candidates to Bolster Rotation
As the Orioles look to reinforce their pitching roster, they may consider a number of potential trade candidates. One such option is Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. Luzardo could provide much-needed stability and effectiveness to Baltimore's rotation.
Another candidate is Paul Blackburn, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot but has been a league-average starter since 2022. While Blackburn may not be a star, his reliability could be beneficial for the Orioles' depth.
Tyler Anderson, despite being owed over $20 million through next season, might also be an intriguing option. Anderson has the experience and skill set to potentially make a significant impact.
Erick Fedde’s recent performance has drawn attention, making him another potential target. Known for his versatility, Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, is also on the radar. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, which could be a negotiating point in trade discussions.
Austin Gomber, who offers another year of team control after this season, and Cal Quantrill, who also has team control beyond this year, could be valuable assets for the Orioles as they look to build a long-term competitive roster.
Intriguing Pitching Options
Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, but his struggles with maintaining a low ERA make him a more speculative choice. Similarly, Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022 while dealing with a shoulder impingement, could be a high-upside addition if he can stay healthy.
Garrett Crochet presents an exciting possibility with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and sharp slider. Crochet’s impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio suggest he could be a major asset if acquired.
The Road Ahead
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they aim to shore up their depleted pitching staff. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The team's resilience in the face of adversity has been commendable, but reinforcing the rotation will be necessary to sustain their competitive edge. The next few weeks will be decisive for Baltimore as they navigate this challenging period and strategize for future success.