The Baltimore Orioles looked prepared to cruise to an easy victory on Thursday afternoon against the Miami Marlins. Instead, they were forced to play extra innings, despite entering the bottom of the eighth up by five runs.
The Marlins trimmed Baltimore's lead to 6–3 entering the ninth inning when Craig Kimbrel took the mound. In 2/3 innings, Kimbrel allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks. Yennier Cano replaced Kimbrel to finish off the ninth inning.
The Marlins aren't done just yet 👀 pic.twitter.com/caYjPxvrT7
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) July 25, 2024
It underlines the needs Baltimore has as it looks down the barrel of the oncoming trade deadline. Starting pitching and relief pitching both should be of interest to Baltimore.
Baltimore is reportedly interested in reuniting with starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, but the concern there is he did not perform well for them in a rental scenario last year and would be a rental this year as well. If Baltimore prefers a starter with future control, they could look to their most recent opponent. MLB Network's Jon Morosi pointed out that Trevor Rogers, a Marlins lefty with two more years of team control after this season, could be one to watch with the Marlins expected to sell.
As for relief pitchers, the Orioles could canvas the league, but it may be tough considering virtually every team in the league could benefit from an extra bullpen arm.
The Orioles went into Friday as AL East leaders by 1.5 games. They wound up winning, albeit in 10 innings, 7–6.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Orioles' Trade Deadline Needs Made Excruciatingly Obvious After Bullpen Blows Huge Lead.
