Baltimore Orioles: Five Ways to Win the American League East

#2 – Continued Bullpen Endurance

Without doubt, the Baltimore Orioles have one of the best bullpens in the game, a near requisite for success in the modern game of baseball. They also have the best closer. You know that is true when even the top national writers talk aboutZach Brittonas a possibleCy Youngcandidate.

Currently, the O’s bullpen ranks third in all of baseball with a 3.15 ERA, trailing only the Nationals (3.11) and Dodgers (3.14). The next AL team is the Yankees at 3.33. And honestly, the ‘pen is even better than this would indicate, as these numbers are blown up just a bit by some situations where runs piled up in the middle of a few games when the starter exited early.

At the same time, the Orioles have lost Darren O’Day for who knows how long. It could be a while; it could be the season. A shoulder rotator cuff strain is not a quick-healing issue. In my own experience, it was the better part of an entire year.

So can the Orioles maintain endurance in the bullpen? They have thrown a lot of innings. Even so, many fans might be surprised to hear that there are eight team with more bullpen innings, though only two from the American League.

A player likeDonnie Hartcould be critical for the stretch run. The lefty has thrown five scoreless innings in five appearances and given up only three hits. He could be the late-seasonMychal Givensof a year ago. Speaking of Givens, his role is now more vital.

And what aboutBrad Brachand Zach Britton? Can they keep up the incredible successes they have had? That is going to be difficult to do. Each is showing a bit of a drop in command, though it is yet to cost Britton a run or a save.

The expanded roster could help with this as well. Players likeOliver Drakecould fill in some innings, or perhaps another namedRichard Rodriguezwho is having a good year at Norfolk with a 2.14 ERA.

My guess is that the bullpen is going be less than perfect, but still very, very good – good enough to help the Orioles significantly toward the end of securing a title and October baseball.

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