Baltimore Orioles Linked to All-Star Starting Pitcher For Rotation Help
Everything was jostled around when it was revealed Kyle Bradish was being placed on the injured list by the Baltimore Orioles to start the year.
After they landed Corbin Burnes, the excitement and expectations surrounding this team were through the roof after they just won 101 games the season prior.
Another AL East division title was in their sights and their goal of advancing further into the playoffs than getting swept in the ALDS seemed more than achievable.
But, a UCL injury to Bradish now has people walking on eggshells.
Those are the scariest injuries for pitchers and the organizations who employ them.
One misstep and a whole year is spent going through rehab.
The Orioles are likely going to be very cautious with their future ace as he works his way back into a throwing routine that will have him ready at some point this year.
To prepare for his absence, Baltimore could promote one of their internal bullpen options into the starting rotation, or they could sign someone in free agency.
Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors thinks they'll do the latter.
"I'd be surprised if the O's weren't at least looking into a second-tier starter (i.e. a Michael Lorenzen)," he wrote.
This has been a connection made throughout the offseason as the Orioles have historically added back-end rotation guys since Mike Elias took over as general manager.
Michael Lorenzen is coming off his first All-Star selection in 2023 after posting a 4.03 ERA over 15 starts with the Detroit Tigers. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies and he threw a no-hitter in his second start with them.
The right-hander would certainly give them options if Bradish misses more time than is expected at the moment.
