Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery, a significant blow to the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff, already hampered by injuries this season.
Injuries Plaguing the Orioles' Pitching Staff
The Orioles' pitching depth has been tested this year, with John Means and Tyler Wells also requiring elbow surgeries. Further compounding their troubles, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation.
Current Rotation Standing Strong
The current Orioles rotation features Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Impressively, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to their resilience and depth. Among these pitchers, Albert Suárez has been a particularly bright spot, consistently delivering strong performances.
Potential Trade Candidates
To bolster their rotation, the Orioles may look into trade options. Here are some potential candidates:
- Jesús Luzardo: Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118. His consistent performance makes him an attractive option.
- Paul Blackburn: Currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022.
- Tyler Anderson: With over $20 million owed through next season, Anderson presents a significant financial commitment but could provide stability to the rotation.
- Erick Fedde: Fedde's recent performance could make him an intriguing choice for the Orioles as they seek reliable arms.
- Nick Martinez: Having split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, Martinez holds a $12 million player option for next year, giving the team flexibility.
- Austin Gomber: Offering another year of team control after this season, Gomber could be a valuable addition.
- Cal Quantrill: Similar to Gomber, Quantrill comes with another year of team control.
- Reid Detmers: Although Detmers has struggled with his ERA, his improved pitch metrics could be attractive to the Orioles.
- Braxton Garrett: Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances starting from 2022, despite dealing with a shoulder impingement.
- Garrett Crochet: With a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider, Crochet has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles, as the decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact their ability to compete. With their current rotation performing well despite several key injuries, adding depth through strategic trades might be the key to sustaining their success throughout the season.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, the Orioles will need to navigate these challenges with careful consideration. Injuries have undeniably tested their pitching staff, but their resilience and potential trade maneuvers could keep them competitive. The upcoming weeks will be critical as the front office explores opportunities to fortify their roster and prepare for a playoff push.
Kyle Bradish's absence is a major setback, but the Orioles have shown they can adapt and overcome adversity. With a robust rotation still in place and promising trade candidates available, Baltimore's season is far from over. The team's ability to make strategic decisions and execute timely trades will play a pivotal role in shaping their fortunes for the rest of the year.