Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery, further depleting the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff that has already been hit hard by injuries.
John Means and Tyler Wells have also required elbow surgeries, while Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation, featuring Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and the surprising Albert Suárez.
The Orioles' resilience is evident, as they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA. A bright spot in the rotation has been Albert Suárez, who has delivered consistently strong performances. However, with the season advancing, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through potential trades.
Potential Trade Candidates
Among the names generating buzz is Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. Another option is Paul Blackburn, recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, who has been a league-average starter since 2022.
Tyler Anderson, though owed over $20 million through next season, could be a veteran addition to stabilize the rotation. Erick Fedde's recent performance also makes him an intriguing option for the Orioles. Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, carries a $12 million player option for next year.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill offer another potential benefit—both come with another year of team control, giving the Orioles flexibility beyond this season. Despite struggling with his ERA, Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics, which could make him a valuable acquisition if he can find consistency.
Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances starting from 2022, has dealt with a shoulder impingement but remains a solid candidate. Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet stands out with his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider. Crochet has an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, adding to his appeal as a trade target.
Crucial Decisions Ahead
Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the remainder of the season. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete. While their rotation has been resilient so far, the addition of targeted reinforcements through trades could provide the depth and stability needed to sustain a playoff push.
In summary, the Orioles' pitching staff faces significant challenges with the losses of Kyle Bradish, John Means, Tyler Wells, and Dean Kremer. However, their current rotation has held up admirably, anchored by standout performances from Albert Suárez and others. By strategically targeting trade candidates like Jesús Luzardo, Paul Blackburn, Tyler Anderson, Erick Fedde, Nick Martinez, Austin Gomber, Cal Quantrill, Reid Detmers, Braxton Garrett, and Garrett Crochet, the Orioles can strengthen their rotation and enhance their postseason prospects.