Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish's season has come to an abrupt end following elbow surgery. This marks a significant blow to the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff, which has been plagued by injuries this season.
The Orioles' Struggling Pitching Staff
The loss of Bradish exacerbates an already challenging situation for the Orioles. Key pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells have also undergone elbow surgeries, with Means having Tommy John surgery and Wells dealing with a separate elbow issue. Additionally, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps.
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have impressively managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current lineup features Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, the team entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to the resilience and depth of their pitching staff.
Among these pitchers, Albert Suárez has emerged as a bright spot. His consistent performances have provided stability to the rotation during a challenging period.
Potential Trade Candidates to Bolster the Rotation
With the absence of Bradish and other key pitchers, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several potential candidates could be on their radar:
- Jesús Luzardo: Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118. He could bring much-needed talent to the Orioles' rotation.
- Paul Blackburn: Currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022. His return to form could provide stability.
- Tyler Anderson: Though Anderson is owed over $20 million through next season, his experience might make him a valuable addition.
- Erick Fedde: Fedde's recent performance has been solid, which could make him an intriguing option for the Orioles.
- Nick Martinez: Having split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, Martinez has flexibility. He also has a $12 million player option for next year.
- Austin Gomber: Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, which could appeal to the Orioles' front office.
- Cal Quantrill: Similar to Gomber, Quantrill comes with another year of team control and might be a viable option.
- Reid Detmers: Though Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, he has struggled with his ERA. If he can stabilize, he could be a good fit.
- Braxton Garrett: Posting a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, Garrett has dealt with a shoulder impingement but remains a promising prospect.
- 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.
The Crucial Weeks Ahead
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles in the upcoming weeks. Each potential candidate brings unique strengths and could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete this season. The decisions made during this period will likely determine their success down the stretch.
The Orioles' front office will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with each potential trade candidate. Financial considerations such as player contracts and team control may also play a critical role in these decisions.
While injuries have tested the Orioles' pitching depth, their ability to manage and adapt so far has been commendable. By making strategic acquisitions and leveraging their current rotation, the Orioles can aim to remain competitive in a challenging landscape.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Orioles navigate these hurdles and whether their efforts will translate into sustained success on the field.