Introduction

The Baltimore Orioles have been a team on the rise in recent seasons, and their pitching staff has been an integral part of that transformation. While the club has made strides offensively, its pitching staff—historically a weak spot—has been crucial in pushing the Orioles into playoff contention. However, the 2025 season has presented some new challenges, with several key pitchers suffering injuries that have left gaps in the rotation and bullpen.

Injuries are always a part of the game, and the Orioles are no strangers to the challenge of replacing lost talent. This season, though, the team has a unique opportunity to showcase the depth of its pitching staff, as several younger pitchers have stepped up in the absence of established stars. This article will explore three of the most promising pitchers who are emerging as viable options to fill the void left by injured Orioles stars.

These pitchers have shown flashes of potential and could play a critical role in keeping the team competitive while the injured stars recover. Through this detailed analysis, we’ll explore their performances, potential, and what they could bring to the Orioles’ pitching staff in 2025.

1. Grayson Rodriguez: The Next Big Thing

One of the most highly touted prospects in the Orioles’ farm system in recent years has been Grayson Rodriguez. The 6’5”, 220-pound right-hander, often compared to former Orioles ace Mike Mussina, has long been regarded as the future of the team’s pitching rotation. Rodriguez’s emergence has been a story of both triumph and challenge, as he has had to overcome obstacles to earn his place in the majors.

Background and Development

Rodriguez was drafted by the Orioles in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft and quickly made a name for himself as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. His fastball, which can reach 98 mph, paired with a devastating slider and an above-average changeup, makes him a versatile and formidable weapon on the mound. Rodriguez’s combination of size, stuff, and command has long made him a future front-line starter for Baltimore.

However, his path to the majors hasn’t been entirely smooth. In 2024, Rodriguez suffered an injury that delayed his debut in the big leagues. After recovering from the injury, he returned to the minors and continued to work on his craft. By 2025, Rodriguez had earned a spot in the Orioles’ rotation, but the question remained: would he be able to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him?

Performance in 2025

Injuries to key pitchers on the Orioles roster have given Rodriguez a chance to step into a more prominent role. Despite some early struggles, Rodriguez has shown significant improvement, both in terms of his command and his ability to get key outs in high-leverage situations.

Through the first few months of the 2025 season, Rodriguez has posted a respectable ERA, with strong strikeout numbers and a solid WHIP. His fastball velocity remains elite, and his slider has been particularly effective against right-handed hitters. His changeup, often viewed as the least consistent of his pitches, has also shown signs of growth, and his command of all three pitches has improved.

Rodriguez’s performance has made it clear that he is more than capable of stepping up in a big way for the Orioles. He possesses the kind of stuff that can dominate opposing lineups, and his ability to adjust to big-league hitters has been impressive.

Impact on the Team

Grayson Rodriguez’s emergence has been a boon for the Orioles. As one of the team’s top pitching prospects, he is expected to anchor the rotation for years to come. His rise to prominence has allowed the Orioles to weather the storm caused by injuries to other pitchers. While Rodriguez is still finding his footing at the major league level, he has already established himself as one of the top options in the rotation, and his potential to become a frontline starter is clear.

Rodriguez’s performance has provided hope that the Orioles can remain competitive even without their injured stars. His development could be crucial for the long-term success of the team, and if he continues on this upward trajectory, he could eventually become one of the top pitchers in the American League.

2. Kyle Bradish: The Steady Hand

Another pitcher who has emerged as a reliable option for the Orioles in 2025 is Kyle Bradish. Bradish, a 27-year-old right-hander, was acquired by the Orioles in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels in 2020, and since then, he has steadily worked his way into the team’s pitching rotation. While not regarded as a top prospect like Rodriguez, Bradish has proven to be a steady and dependable pitcher, especially in times of need.

Background and Development

Bradish made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2021, and while his early years in the big leagues were marked by inconsistency, he showed flashes of potential. Known for his strong command and ability to get ground balls, Bradish’s primary pitch is a sinker that generates a significant amount of movement. He also features a slider and a changeup, both of which he has used effectively against left-handed hitters.

Although Bradish is not the type of pitcher who will blow hitters away with overwhelming velocity, he relies on smart pitching, movement, and an ability to limit hard contact. His performance in 2025 has been solid, and he has provided stability to a rotation that has been hit hard by injuries.

Performance in 2025

In 2025, Bradish has become one of the more dependable pitchers on the Orioles’ roster. With several of the team’s aces sidelined, Bradish has stepped in as a workhorse, consistently eating innings and keeping the team in games. His ERA is not sparkling, but it’s good enough to give the Orioles a chance to win on most nights. What has been particularly impressive is his ability to keep the ball on the ground, with a ground ball rate that ranks among the best in the league.

Bradish’s strikeout rate has also seen a slight increase in 2025, as he’s found ways to mix in more swings and misses. His sinker remains his best pitch, and he’s used it to generate weak contact, particularly in double-play situations. His ability to control the game and prevent big innings has made him a reliable option in the Orioles’ rotation.

Impact on the Team

Kyle Bradish’s steadiness has been invaluable to the Orioles in 2025. While he may not have the upside of someone like Grayson Rodriguez, he provides the team with a reliable arm that can give the bullpen a rest and keep the team competitive. His ground ball-heavy approach has also helped mitigate the risk of home runs, which has been a key factor in keeping games close.

Bradish’s ability to fill in for injured stars has allowed the Orioles to remain competitive in the American League East. His consistency and ability to pitch deep into games have been key assets for a team that has had to deal with significant injuries to its pitching staff.

3. Dean Kremer: The Underrated Ace

Finally, we look at Dean Kremer, a pitcher who has flown under the radar for much of his career but has the tools to be a significant contributor in the Orioles’ rotation. Kremer was acquired in the 2020 trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers that sent Manny Machado to the West Coast, and since then, he has steadily developed into one of the Orioles’ more reliable starters.

Background and Development

Kremer, a 28-year-old right-hander, has often been overshadowed by other pitchers in the Orioles’ system, but his success in 2025 has brought him into the spotlight. He is a pitcher who relies heavily on his fastball and curveball, two pitches that have proven effective at the major league level. Kremer has also developed a solid changeup and slider, making him a versatile arm for the Orioles.

While Kremer doesn’t have the elite stuff of someone like Grayson Rodriguez, he has demonstrated the ability to keep hitters off balance with his pitch selection and movement. His performance in 2025 has been a testament to his development as a pitcher, and he has the potential to become a key contributor for the team.

Performance in 2025

In 2025, Kremer has emerged as one of the most consistent pitchers on the Orioles roster. He has posted a solid ERA and has shown the ability to limit walks and keep hitters from getting too comfortable in the box. His fastball velocity has remained steady, and his curveball has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters.

Kremer’s ability to adjust to different types of hitters and his consistency in generating weak contact have made him a reliable option in the rotation. His performance has also been highlighted by his ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as pitching in tight games or coming through with key strikeouts in crucial moments.

Impact on the Team

Dean Kremer’s emergence as a steady option in the Orioles rotation has been a blessing in 2025. With injuries sidelining some of the team’s stars, Kremer has stepped up and delivered quality innings, allowing the team to stay competitive. His ability to go deep into games and manage opposing offenses has made him a crucial piece of the Orioles’ pitching staff.

As the Baltimore Orioles navigate the 2025 season, the emergence of pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer has been a critical factor in keeping the team afloat while they deal with injuries to key stars. Each of these pitchers brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Rodriguez’s potential as a future ace, Bradish’s steady hand, or Kremer’s ability to step up in key moments.

While it’s impossible to fully replace the talent of injured stars, these three pitchers have proven that the Orioles have the depth and resilience to remain competitive. As they continue to develop and gain experience, Rodriguez, Bradish, and Kremer could become integral pieces of a successful Orioles pitching staff for years to come.

The team’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity will be a key storyline as the season progresses. If these emerging pitchers continue to perform at a high level, the Orioles may very well be able to weather the storm of injuries and keep their playoff hopes alive.