Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish, a key pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This is a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching staff, which has already seen several of its members succumb to injuries this season.
Injury Woes for the Orioles
The Orioles' pitching staff has faced a string of injuries. Aside from Bradish, both John Means and Tyler Wells have had to undergo elbow surgeries, adding to the team's challenges. Meanwhile, Dean Kremer is sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation.
Current Rotation and Performance
The current rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, the Orioles entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to the resilience and depth of their roster. Notably, Albert Suárez has been a bright spot in the rotation, stepping up when the team needed it most.
Potential Trade Candidates
Given the injury-plagued season, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Here are some potential candidates who could be on Baltimore's radar:
- Jesús Luzardo: Since 2022, Luzardo has been impressive with an ERA+ of 118, making him a valuable addition to any rotation.
- Paul Blackburn: Although recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022. His recovery and performance could be crucial.
- Tyler Anderson: Anderson comes with a hefty price tag, as he is owed over $20 million through next season. Nevertheless, his experience could be beneficial for the Orioles.
- Erick Fedde: Fedde's recent performance makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to strengthen their rotation.
- Nick Martinez: Martinez has divided his season between the rotation and the bullpen. He has a $12 million player option for next year, which could factor into trade discussions.
- Austin Gomber: Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, making him an attractive option for teams planning for the future.
- Cal Quantrill: Similar to Gomber, Quantrill also has another year of team control, adding to his appeal.
- Reid Detmers: Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA. He could be a high-risk, high-reward type of acquisition.
- Braxton Garrett: With a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, Garrett has been a solid performer. However, he has dealt with a shoulder impingement, which could be a concern.
- Garrett Crochet: Crochet possesses a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider. His impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio make him an attractive option.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they look to remain competitive. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for the rest of the season and beyond.
In conclusion, while the loss of Kyle Bradish and other key pitchers is a significant setback, the Orioles have shown resilience and depth in their rotation. By potentially adding one or more of the trade candidates mentioned above, Baltimore could not only mitigate their current challenges but also position themselves strongly for future success.