Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery, adding to the growing list of injuries plaguing the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff.
Bradish's injury is another significant blow to the Orioles, who have also lost key pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells to elbow surgeries. Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps, further depleting the team’s options on the mound. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation.
Their current pitching rotation includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Impressively, the Orioles entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA. Among these players, Albert Suárez has been particularly outstanding, providing much-needed stability.
Potential Trade Candidates
Given the recent spate of injuries, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades as they aim to remain competitive. Several potential trade candidates could help fill the void left by the injured pitchers:
Jesús Luzardo: Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, posting an ERA+ of 118, making him a strong candidate to join the Orioles’ rotation.
Paul Blackburn: While Blackburn is recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot, he has been a league-average starter since 2022. A healthy Blackburn could provide valuable depth.
Tyler Anderson: Anderson, who is owed over $20 million through next season, might be a more expensive option, but his experience could prove invaluable during the playoff push.
Erick Fedde: Fedde's recent performance could make him an intriguing trade option. His versatility and current form might be just what the Orioles need.
Nick Martinez: Martinez has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, showing flexibility that could benefit the Orioles. He also has a $12 million player option for next year.
Austin Gomber: Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, providing a longer-term option for the Orioles' rotation.
Cal Quantrill: Similar to Gomber, Quantrill comes with another year of team control, making him an attractive option for the team’s future plans.
Reid Detmers: Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA. A change of scenery might help him unlock his potential.
Braxton Garrett: Garrett has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022 but has also dealt with a shoulder impingement. If healthy, he could be a significant asset.
Garrett Crochet: Crochet brings a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider, along with an impressive 130 ERA+ and a 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a highly attractive trade target.
Exploring these 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 both in the short term and in the future. With a solid foundation already in place, adding the right pieces could bolster their chances of making a deep postseason run.
In conclusion, while the Orioles have faced significant challenges with their pitching staff's health, their resilience and strategic acquisitions could keep them in the competitive mix. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the franchise to see how they maneuver through this critical period.