In the heat of a tight division race, the Baltimore Orioles need multiple pitchers to step up. The organization attempted to bolster its pitching depth at the trade deadline, but the moves have not yet worked out. That became especially clear on Thursday after the Orioles optioned starter Trevor Rogers to Triple-A amidst a flurry of roster moves.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/CcEiGL2X41
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 22, 2024
Baltimore also optioned right-hander Colin Selby and infielder Liván Soto to Triple-A and designated lefty Bruce Zimmermann for assignment. These moves will open roster spots for infielder Emmanuel Rivera, right-hander Matt Bowman and left-hander Nick Vespi.
Baltimore Orioles Option Trevor Rogers to Triple-A
Rogers began the season with the Miami Marlins and produced erratic results. The former first-round pick posted a 4.53 ERA (99 ERA+) in 105 1/3 innings with Miami this season. His overall numbers look average, but Rogers had some stretches this season where he seemed close to returning to his 2021 All-Star form.
Though Baltimore gave up two solid prospects for Rogers, the organization liked his upside and thought they could get the best out of him. Unfortunately, his performance with his new team has cratered. In four starts, Rogers produced a 7.11 ERA (54 ERA+) with awful strikeout and walk rates.
The Orioles might have just had the worst trade deadline ever for a team that had the best record in the league…
Trevor Rogers – Optioned
Gregory Soto – 15.43 ERA
Zach Eflin – Pitched well but on the IL
Seranthony Dominguez – 3.27 ERA but 3/6 in save opportunites. https://t.co/00sB0lDjH8— John Bollman (@JohnBollman11) August 22, 2024
The Orioles optioned Rogers despite desperately needing pitching help. The Rogers demotion comes days after the team placed fellow deadline acquisition Zach Eflin on the injured list. Corbin Burnes represents the only reliable starter in Baltimore’s rotation right now.
Even with uncertainty in the rotation, sending Rogers to Triple-A could be the best move for him and the Orioles. The 26-year-old still carries solid upside, and Baltimore will surely look to help him make adjustments. That will be much easier to accomplish in a low-stress minor league environment.
Matt Bowman And Colin Selby
The Orioles signed Bowman, 33, to a minor league deal last week. The journeyman has bounced around in recent years, but no more than in 2024. If he gets into a game, Baltimore will mark Bowman’s fourth big league club this summer.
Bowman has provided solid innings in middle relief throughout his six-year career. That said, he has struggled to a 5.40 ERA (81 ERA+) in 15 innings this season. The Orioles will likely use him to eat innings, a role Selby did well in before this demotion.
Colin Selby's 3Ks pic.twitter.com/oAV7dKw3HR
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 20, 2024
Selby joined the Orioles last week and tossed three shutout innings in two games against the New York Mets. Though he looked impressive and like a piece that could help a struggling bullpen, Baltimore decided to go with a fresh arm in Bowman.
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
