Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune-Review has reported the Pirates are one team looking to unload a starter or two, and with lefty Jonathon Niese among those Pittsburgh is looking to move, Orioles general manager Dan Duquette could be one of those making contact in the coming days.
The 29-year-old has been moved to the bullpen, giving some youngster a chance to gain experience. For a team looking for help on the mound now, however, having a veteran that can keep a team within reach of a win anytime he takes the mound is a huge plus, especially late in the year when chasing a spot in the postseason.
Baltimore has a team ERA over 5.00 — not exactly the numbers of a squad looking to win a World Series — but with the addition of a veteran or two over the second half of the year, the Orioles could become a contender to hoist a championship trophy in October.
The veteran left-handed pitcher has a career record of 69-67 with an ERA of 4.00 and while these numbers aren’t jaw-dropping, they would be an upgrade with the fourth and fifth starters currently taking the mound for the “Birds.”
Niese isn’t the only starter being linked with the Orioles. SB Nation has reported that the Philadelphia Phillies’ Jeremy Hellickson could also be on Duquette’s radar.
The biggest downside of the 29-year-old is he is also a right-handed pitcher — but he is also an upgrade over the current talent in the starting rotation and would be a big help over the last couple of months of the 2016 MLB season.
One thing is clear, this team needs help on the mound to win in the post season and adding that help before the trade deadline must be a priority, not only for the hope of the team, but also for their fans.
