When Orioles GM Mike Elias traded Dylan Bundy for Bradish and three other pitchers, no one really knew how favorable that trade would become for Baltimore.
Bradish was thrown to the wolves last season, and by year’s end, the young right-hander started showing what Elias saw when the trade was made.
Year two is underway, and to say Bradish has taken a step forward would be a huge understatement. Considered, not by this writer, to be in the running, not a lock, for a starting rotation spot, Bradish has looked like a bonafide ace so far this spring.
Tonight against the Minnesota Twins, Bradish tossed four innings, allowing just one earned run on two hits with a walk. He struck out eight batters while throwing 64 pitches.
“Eight strikeouts are always good, no matter what game it is,” Bradish said. “Just means you’re in the zone. That’s a big thing for me.”
This spring alone, Bradish has pitched nine innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs and 12 strikeouts for a 2.00 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP.
“I’d like to think so,” Bradish said on his chance for a rotation spot. “I think after my second-half performance last year and then getting my work in this year and going about my business how I do, I think I should be in contention for it.”
Mychal Givens made his second appearance, allowing one hit and striking out two. Outside of collecting his third balk of the spring, Givens has looked good in his two outings.
Bryan Baker, Cade Povich and Eduardo Bazardo pitched the next four innings, combining to give up three earned runs, four total, three walks and seven strikeouts.
Terrin Vavra returned to the lineup tonight and went 1-for-2 before coming out of the game. Vavra is now 7-for-12 this spring. He played third base today, as he continues to rotate positions this spring.
“Everything felt good,” Vavra said. “It’s been a couple days. I haven’t really had any symptoms. Just good to get back out there and get some at-bats. See some pitches.”
Ryan Mountcastle picked up his sixth hit this spring. All his hits have been for extra bases, as he has four doubles, a triple and a home run.
Kyle Stowers, fighting for an outfield spot, collected an RBI double, while Austin Hays was 0-for-3 with a strikeout.
The offense today pounded out 11 hits and collected four walks. They struck out seven times and finished 4-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Unfortunately, the game ended in a 5-5 tie.
Side Notes:
Heston Kjerstad was one of the players who avoided the first round of cuts made earlier this week. He currently is 8-for-17 this spring with a triple and two home runs with six runs scored.
“What’s been remarkable is how hard he hits the baseball,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said of Kjerstad. “Really impressive. This guy’s going to grow into a really good hitter, potential huge power guy. He’s looking to do damage at the plate, and he puts swings on the baseball like he’s trying to do damage.”
The Orioles made another round of cuts after the game tonight. The moves included No. 16 prospect Seth Johnson and No. 20 prospect Noah Denoyer being optioned to minor league camp. The Orioles also reassigned No. 13 prospect Cade Povich to minor league camp.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Chair of the Maryland Stadium Authority Craig Thompson visited Atlanta before arriving in Sarasota, Florida, today.
“My timeline is as soon as possible,” Governor Moore said on working out a new stadium lease for Camden Yards. “I want to get this deal done ASAP. I think our ability to move quickly and prioritize and be down here this early in our administration, I think it reflects that.”
Austin Voth takes the mound tomorrow, as the Orioles visit the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida. The Blue Jays will send Chris Bassitt to the mound for a 1:07 game time start.
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