Injury Impacts and Missing Talent
The Baltimore Orioles face an uphill battle in their rotation even before the season begins. Grayson Rodriguez is sidelined with elbow soreness, and the departure of a key starting pitcher during free agency has left a significant gap. Even with new additions like Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, the void remains hard to fill.
Default Ace in the Making
With Rodriguez out of action, Zach Eflin is set to start on Opening Day as the team’s de facto ace. At 31, Eflin carries a 62-62 record and a 4.17 ERA. His performance history suggests he fits the mold of a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 starter rather than a clear No. 1, and questions linger about his durability, given his four-year average of just 131 innings.
Depth Concerns in the Rotation
The rest of the pitching staff presents additional challenges. Veteran Charlie Morton, now 41 and boasting over 2,000 innings, has seen a decline in his strikeout rate and a recent surge in his performance metrics that may signal the waning of his prime. Rookie Tomoyuki Sugano, 35, has yet to gain Major League experience and poses an uncertain factor. Dean Kremer, at 29, has only one season surpassing 130 innings and his overall numbers have been inconsistent. Meanwhile, emerging talent Cade Povich, coming off a challenging rookie season, still needs to prove that he can handle a full season’s workload.
The Path Forward
A brief spark was seen in Albert Suarez’s performance last season, where he posted a 9-7 record with a 3.70 ERA in 133 2/3 innings. However, at 35, there is concern about whether he can maintain that level of play. While the team boasts a capable offense and a solid bullpen, the current starting rotation leaves doubts about their ability to contend in a competitive league. Strengthening the rotation with additional talent through signings or trades will be essential for the Orioles if they aim to be in playoff contention.
