Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles have been dealt a significant blow as pitcher Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season due to elbow surgery. This development adds to the woes of an already beleaguered Orioles pitching staff, which has been severely impacted by injuries this year.
Injuries Plague Orioles' Pitching Staff
Bradish's absence is just one of several setbacks for the Orioles' pitching rotation. Previously, both John Means and Tyler Wells underwent elbow surgeries, sidelining them for the season. Dean Kremer is also out, nursing a strained triceps. Despite these challenges, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation throughout the season.
Current Rotation and Performance
The current rotation features a mix of talent, including Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, even with the injury setbacks, the Orioles' rotation entered Wednesday ranked third in ERA. Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a standout performer in the rotation, consistently delivering strong outings.
Exploring Potential Trade Candidates
Given the injury struggles, the Orioles are likely to explore trade options to bolster their rotation. Several pitchers around the league could be potential trade targets.
One notable name is Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. Paul Blackburn, currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, has been a league-average starter since 2022. Though not elite, Blackburn could provide reliable depth.
Another option is Tyler Anderson, owed over $20 million through next season. While his contract is substantial, Anderson's performance could justify the investment. Erick Fedde's recent performance has also been noteworthy, making him an intriguing option for the Orioles to consider.
Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, presents another viable candidate. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, adding a layer of financial consideration for the Orioles. Austin Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, providing flexibility for the future.
Additional Trade Targets
Cal Quantrill, like Gomber, comes with another year of team control, making him an attractive long-term option. Reid Detmers, despite struggling with his ERA, has shown improved pitch metrics, suggesting potential for a turnaround.
Braxton Garrett, with a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, is another pitcher worth considering. However, Garrett has dealt with a shoulder impingement, which may raise concerns. Finally, Garrett Crochet stands out with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider. His impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio make him an enticing target for the Orioles.
Crucial Decisions Ahead
The Orioles' front office faces crucial decisions in the upcoming weeks. Exploring trade options may be necessary to bolster the pitching rotation and maintain their competitive edge. The choices made during this period could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for the rest of the season.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Orioles to see how they navigate these challenges. The outcome of their decisions will not only shape the remainder of the current season but could also have long-term implications for the franchise's future.