Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery, dealing a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching staff, already beleaguered by injuries.
The season has seen key pitchers for the Orioles fall to the injury bug. Both John Means and Tyler Wells required elbow surgeries earlier, adding to the team's woes. Dean Kremer has also been sidelined with a strained triceps, further depleting the roster. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have remarkably maintained a solid rotation.
The current rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Surprisingly, even with these injuries, they entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA. Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot, contributing crucial innings and performances when needed most.
Potential Trade Candidates
With Bradish and others out, the Orioles might turn to the trade market to shore up their rotation. Several potential trade candidates could be on their radar as they look to stay competitive.
Jesús Luzardo could be a prime target. He has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118, showcasing his value as a high-caliber pitcher. Another option is Paul Blackburn, although he is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Blackburn has performed as a league-average starter since 2022, making him a reliable, if not spectacular, option.
Tyler Anderson is another name being mentioned, though he comes with a hefty financial tag, being owed over $20 million through next season. Erick Fedde's recent performance makes him an intriguing option as well; his potential could be a significant asset for the Orioles.
Nick Martinez offers versatility, having split his season between the rotation and the bullpen. Martinez has a $12 million player option for next year, adding an extra layer of consideration for any trading team looking at his contract status.
Austin Gomber provides another interesting possibility; he offers an additional year of team control after this season. Similarly, Cal Quantrill comes with another year of team control, making him potentially useful for more than just a short-term fix.
Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled to put it all together, indicated by his elevated ERA. Still, his potential upside might tempt the Orioles to take a chance.
Braxton Garrett has posted a solid 115 ERA+ across 55 appearances starting from 2022, although he has dealt with a shoulder impingement that could give teams pause. Garrett Crochet stands out for his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, cutter, and slider, boasting an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the rest of the season. The decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly impact their ability to stay competitive in a tough division.
In conclusion, while the loss of Kyle Bradish is a considerable setback, the Orioles have shown resilience and an ability to adapt. With strategic moves and potential trades, they could bolster their rotation and continue their pursuit of success this season. The upcoming decisions will undoubtedly shape the future of the team, determining their capacity to remain formidable amidst the challenges they face.