After splitting their most recent series with the Minnesota Twins, one thing has become abundantly clear about the Baltimore Orioles. They need help. No I am not saying it is time for the typical Orioles collapse, but unless the pitching can be improved it may be time to worry.
This season has already been a pretty rough one for the Baltimore pitching staff. Of their original 5 starters 3 have spent time in the minor leagues at one point, including opening day starter Jake Arrieta. With rumors swirling about numerous pitchers heading to Baltimore, management needs to pull the trigger if they hope to save this promising season.
On top of the failures of the rest of the staff you have the Jason Hammel situation. Hammel has been the top starter this season and earned himself the number one spot in the rotation after the all-star break. But on Friday the 13th against the Detroit Tigers, he tweaked the knee that had been hampering him for the better part of the year.
So with Hammel out for 2 to 3 weeks, who do the Orioles turn to?
The obvious answer is the trade market. Although offseason acquisition Chen has been stellar so far, he cannot start 6 games a week so
Baltimore needs to find another option. And that’s where Zack Greinke comes in.
According to a report by CBS the Orioles, along with the Braves and his current team the Brewers, are the frontrunners in the race for Greinke. Although there are other pitchers on the market, snagging the former Cy Young winner could be the difference in Baltimore’s season.
Not only would this deal help a playoff push this year, it could change the Orioles fortunes for years to come. With a rising super star in Dylan Bundy alongside the current starters (including Greinke) Baltimore would have one of the most formidable rotations in the majors.
This is all just speculation of course but like I said at the beginning, the Orioles need help. If nothing is done, don’t be surprised if Baltimore finishes in last in the division.
This is a crossroads for the Orioles franchise, here’s hoping they make the right choice.