From the starters to the bullpen, pitching has been a roller coaster for the Baltimore Orioles, who are expected to seek reinforcements at the MLB trade deadline.
In a June 17 column for The Athletic, Jim Bowden suggested the Orioles trade for New York Mets reliever Luis Severino.
Baltimore receives: Luis Severino
New York receives: Trace Bright, Jud Fabian
Bowden described Severino as an ideal fit for the Orioles, who are aiming for success in the AL East. Severino previously played for the New York Yankees and is having a strong comeback season with the Mets, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.12 ERA and 1.179 WHIP in 13 starts.
Bright and Fabian are two high-level prospects for the Orioles, ranked 12th and 15th respectively on MLB.com. Bright is a right-handed pitcher with a 3.91 ERA at Double-A Bowie Baysox, while Fabian is an outfielder slashing .241/.316/.462 with 12 home runs and 29 RBIs for the same team.
Orioles Pitching Staff Depleted with Injuries
The basis for Bowden’s trade proposal is the depleted state of Baltimore’s pitching staff. Kyle Bradish is the latest to be sidelined, placed on the 15-Day Injured List with a right UCL sprain. John Means and Tyler Wells are out for the season, and reliever Danny Coulombe and starter Dean Kremer are both on the injured list with elbow inflammation and tricep soreness.
The Orioles’ preseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes has been crucial for their 2024 season. As of June 17, the extent of Bradish and Coulombe’s injuries is still unknown, but it’s nearly certain that the Orioles will make a trade to bolster their bullpen. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on June 12 that Baltimore is actively exploring the pitcher market ahead of the deadline.
“The Orioles are intently exploring the bullpen market and still could pursue a right-handed hitting outfielder,” Rosenthal wrote. “General manager Mike Elias is telling clubs he will weigh the addition of a starting pitcher perhaps up to the deadline, according to sources briefed on his discussions.”
Povich to Start 3rd Career Game vs Yankees
Cade Povich, one of the pitchers benefiting from the Orioles’ injured bullpen, was called up to the majors on June 6. The 24-year-old lefty, Baltimore’s ninth-ranked prospect, has appeared in two games, striking out 8 in 11.1 innings pitched, with a 4.76 ERA. His second outing showed significant improvement from his debut.
In a June 14 column, Eno Sarris discussed Povich’s debut and potential, praising his pitching arsenal and predicting he “might just make it” in MLB. Sarris noted that Povich’s success would come from his command and mix of pitches, including a changeup, curveball, and sweeper, rather than overpowering hitters.
Baltimore is exploring the trade market for bullpen additions, but Povich’s promising performances have given the Orioles hope that he can contribute to the starting rotation long-term.