A Common Problem for the Orioles: Pitching

Apr 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles manager

(right) and trainer Richie Bancells watch pitcher

throw a test pitch an apparent injury sustained in the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Norris was able to continue and earned the win. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles have had problems for several years now with having enough pitching to be a contending team in the American League East.

Almost 30 games in, 2014 is no different.  The Orioles pitching is struggling.  The Birds are 22nd in baseball in ERA.  The good news is that six of the eight teams behind them are from the AL.

Three of those are in the AL East, as only the Red Sox are ranked better.  The Rays pitching is ravaged by injuries, as is the Yankees.  The Blue Jays have got great pitching from Mark Buehrle, and a few other good starts, but little else.

The Orioles’ starters are 10th best in the AL.  Their relievers are 7th best.

Don’t look now, but their best starting pitcher has been one many people thought wouldn’t even make the team, or would get moved to the bullpen.

Bud Norris has a 3.94 ERA. He has a lower WHIP than Chris Tillman, less HRs, less BBs.  Problem is, Tillman has one less start than all the other starters.  But statistically, Norris has been better.

Tillman has had some very good starts, and also some rough, short ones.  Ubaldo Jimenez and Miguel Gonzalez are a combined 2-7, although it appears Ubaldo could be about to turn it around.

What can the Orioles do to fix this problem? The answer is, not much.

Kevin Gausman has pneumonia.  Dylan Bundy still isn’t back, nor is Johan Santana.  Eddie Gamboa has the only win from a starter at AAA, and he wasn’t even supposed to start that game.

So the Orioles need to ride it out.  They are only half a game out of the lead in the AL bEast, and the whole division looks beatable.

What do you think the Orioles should do?