Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery

Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery

In a significant blow to their pitching staff, the Baltimore Orioles have announced that Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery.

A Season Marred by Injuries

The Orioles' pitching staff has been hit particularly hard by injuries this season. John Means and Tyler Wells have both been sidelined following their own elbow surgeries, while Dean Kremer is currently out with a strained triceps. These setbacks have put considerable pressure on the rest of the pitching rotation to perform.

Current Rotation Solid Despite Setbacks

Despite these significant injuries, the Orioles have managed to maintain a solid rotation, featuring the likes of Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez. Remarkably, the team entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA, a testament to the performances of these pitchers.

Albert Suárez, in particular, has been a bright spot for the Orioles this season, stepping up when the team has needed him the most.

Potential Trade Candidates to Bolster the Rotation

With the injuries mounting, the Orioles may look to bolster their rotation through trades. Several pitchers could be potential trade targets for the team.

Jesús Luzardo has been impressive since 2022, posting an ERA+ of 118 and demonstrating his capability to be a reliable starter.

Another option could be Paul Blackburn, who is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022, making him a candidate worth considering.

Tyler Anderson, who is owed over $20 million through next season, could also be a potential acquisition, although his contract makes him a more expensive option.

Erick Fedde's recent performance has made him an intriguing option for teams looking to strengthen their rotation. Similarly, Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, has a $12 million player option for next year, adding another layer of negotiation for any trade considerations.

Austin Gomber offers another year of team control after this season, while Cal Quantrill also comes with another year of team control, making them both appealing long-term options.

Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA, making him a potential trade candidate with room for growth. Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, adds another intriguing name to the list. However, Garrett has also dealt with a shoulder impingement, which could be a cause for concern.

Garrett Crochet is another potential target, featuring a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider. His impressive 130 ERA+ and 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio make him a highly desirable option.

The Importance of Strategic Decisions

Exploring trade options will be crucial for the Orioles as they look to mitigate the impact of their current injuries. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete both in the short and long term. Acquiring the right pitcher could help stabilize the rotation and provide much-needed support as the Orioles push toward the postseason.

The Baltimore Orioles find themselves at a crossroads, needing to weigh the benefits of immediate solutions against future potential. As the trade deadline approaches, the team's strategy will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. One thing is for certain: the moves made in the coming weeks will play a pivotal role in determining the Orioles' fortunes this season.