The Baltimore Orioles’ starting rotation was well represented in a recent list of the game’s top 150 starters.
There’s a reason why many feel Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes will be one of the most sought-after free agents following the season.
He has been a consistent high performer for the Orioles this season, avoiding injury and earning the start for the American League in the All-Star Game.
For a variety of reasons, he is one of the top starting pitchers in baseball as the season winds down.
The Athletic recently ranked the top 150 starting pitchers in baseball, an exercise it performs at various points throughout the season. With the last month approaching, the Orioles are well represented, particularly in Burnes.
He was ranked fourth, after only Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, and Atlanta’s Chris Sale.
The site used a variety of statistics, including Stuff+, future predictions, strikeout-minus-walk rate, recent performances, and the final month’s scheduled schedule.
Burnes is 12-7 with a 3.23 ERA, and despite a poor August, he is coming off a start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he allowed one earned run while taking the loss. He appears to be coming from that funk.
The Orioles’ entire starting rotation is ailing, including Kyle Bradish, last year’s All-MLB starter. Baltimore’s deal for Burnes was one of its smartest moves this offseason.
From there, it was a sharp drop to Zach Eflin, who was placed 52nd. Baltimore acquired him at the trade deadline to shore up the rotation, and he was ranked No. 56 in the previous Top 150.
Dean Kremer was ranked 94, down from 76.
Grayson Rodriguez was placed No. 101, down from No. 12 in the previous rankings. He’s had a fantastic season, but his decrease is most likely due to a trip to the disabled list in August for right lat/teres soreness. He’s on a throwing program, and Baltimore hopes he’ll be able to rejoin the team before the end of the season.
Albert Suárez has dropped from No. 116 to No. 118. He became a valuable member of the staff after signing as a minor-league free agent before to the season. Cade Povich, who made his MLB debut earlier this season, was ranked number 147.
This weekend, Baltimore will go to the Colorado Rockies. The season’s final stretch continues next week with a homestand against the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.
Following that, Baltimore will travel to Boston and Detroit before returning home to face San Francisco and Detroit for the last time. The last road trip starts with a big game against the New York Yankees, followed by a season-ending series versus Minnesota.
