Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
The Baltimore Orioles announced that pitcher Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This adds to an already challenging situation for the team’s pitching staff, which has been severely impacted by injuries this season.
Injury Woes for the Orioles
In addition to Bradish, the Orioles have also seen key pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells undergo elbow surgeries. Dean Kremer, another crucial part of the rotation, is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the team has managed to maintain a solid rotation.
Currently, the Orioles’ rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. This group effort has remarkably placed the Orioles ranked third in rotation ERA as of Wednesday.
Albert Suárez has been a particular standout in the rotation, consistently delivering strong performances and keeping the Orioles competitive.
Potential Trade Candidates
Given the string of injuries, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several pitchers could be viable options to strengthen the team’s pitching arsenal.
Jesús Luzardo has shown impressive capabilities since 2022, boasting an ERA+ of 118, which makes him a strong candidate for a mid-season acquisition.
Paul Blackburn is another name being considered, although he is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Blackburn has been a dependable league-average starter since 2022 and could offer stability to the Orioles’ rotation.
Tyler Anderson, despite being owed over $20 million through next season, brings experience and reliability to the table. His contract, however, might be a sticking point for some teams.
Erick Fedde’s recent performances make him an intriguing option as well. His potential acquisition could provide much-needed depth to the Orioles' pitching staff.
Nick Martinez, whose season has been split between the rotation and the bullpen, has a $12 million player option for next year. His flexibility could be advantageous for the Orioles.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill are also being watched. Both pitchers offer an additional year of team control after this season, adding value for any team looking for longer-term solutions.
Although Reid Detmers has improved his pitch metrics, he has struggled with his ERA, which might make teams cautious. However, his potential upside cannot be overlooked.
Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, is another candidate. However, his shoulder impingement issues could be a concern.
Garrett Crochet presents an interesting option with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider. He has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a highly attractive prospect for the Orioles.
Key Decisions Ahead
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles as they attempt to patch up their injury-riddled pitching staff. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact the team’s ability to stay competitive through the remainder of the season.
Baltimore's front office will need to weigh the immediate benefits of boosting the rotation against long-term strategic goals. With several promising candidates identified, the choices made could either solidify their standing or expose further vulnerabilities in their pitching lineup.
As the trade deadline approaches, Orioles fans will be watching closely, hoping their team makes the right moves to support a strong finish to the season.