Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This unfortunate event adds to the mounting struggles the Orioles' pitching staff has been enduring this year due to a series of injuries.
John Means and Tyler Wells also required elbow surgeries earlier this season, further depleting the team's arsenal of pitchers. Additionally, Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps, exacerbating the team's challenges.
Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation. Their current roster of starting pitchers includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to their resilience and depth.
One bright spot in the Orioles' rotation has been Albert Suárez. His performances have provided much-needed stability and have been a significant factor in the team's ability to stay competitive despite their injury woes.
Potential Trade Candidates
Given the injuries that have plagued the Orioles' pitching staff, the team may look to bolster their rotation through trades. There are several potential candidates they could pursue to strengthen their roster.
One intriguing option is Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. Luzardo’s consistency and effectiveness on the mound would make a valuable addition to the Orioles.
Another candidate is Paul Blackburn, who is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Despite his injury, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022 and could provide solid innings once healthy.
Tyler Anderson, though owed over $20 million through next season, offers experience and reliability. His acquisition would depend heavily on the Orioles' willingness to take on his significant salary.
Erick Fedde's recent performance makes him another intriguing option. His improved play could provide the Orioles with a dependable starter during the stretch run.
Additionally, Nick Martinez has shown versatility by splitting his season between the rotation and the bullpen. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, which could influence negotiations.
Austin Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, making him an attractive longer-term acquisition. Similarly, Cal Quantrill also comes with another year of team control, adding to his appeal.
Reid Detmers brings impressive pitch metrics, though he has struggled with his ERA. If the Orioles believe they can help Detmers reach his potential, he could be a valuable pickup.
Braxton Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022 but has dealt with a shoulder impingement. His performance when healthy suggests he could be an asset to the rotation.
Finally, Garrett Crochet possesses a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider, making him an exciting prospect. His 130 ERA+ and 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio highlight his potential impact.
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they aim to reinforce their rotation. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for a playoff spot. With strategic acquisitions, they can mitigate the effects of their current injuries and bolster their chances of success.