Albert Suárez is pitching like a guy that wants to remain in the starting rotation long term.
It is difficult to fully quantify the value Albert Suárez has provided to the Orioles this season. Suárez arrived in Sarasota having not pitched in the major leagues since 2017, and he joined a Baltimore team that featured its most talented pitching staff in recent memory.
Suárez showed up, he competed, and he still failed to make the team. The Orioles made him wait a few more weeks, but Suárez eventually returned to a big league mound after a 2,395 day hiatus. He limited Minnesota to four hits over 5.2 innings in his first start and immediately emerged as one of the better feel-good stories of the young season.
Brandon Hyde couldn’t hide his smile when he finally took the ball from Suárez in the veteran’s first game with the Birds. The skipper likely had at least some level of concern that the 34-year-old would struggle, but Suárez immediately earned the respect of Hyde and his peers.
I wrote last week that Hyde and the Orioles have gracefully overcome rotation injuries by setting practical expectations for their pitchers. One week later, I’m insisting that Albert Suárez cannot come out of this rotation any time soon.
Suárez blanked the Braves over 5.1 innings last night. He allowed four hits, struck out four and walked three. He did not look overly dominant with a 95-MPH fastball and 2/6 ground ball/fly ball ratio, but the results spoke for themselves. At 1.61, Suárez now has the lowest ERA in MLB among pitchers with over 40 innings this season.
Suárez is a fly-ball pitcher that finds the modern version of Camden Yards more attractive than the ballpark configurations from his first big league stint. He’s received a spot of good fortune this year, but his expected ERA of 3.12 still ranks in the top quarter of the league. He has missed bats like a veteran that knows how to pitch, and his 3.6 barrel percentage ranks in the 92nd percentile.
John Means and Tyler Wells are done for the season. Dean Kremer should return from the injured list at some point in June, but the Orioles will likely send Kremer on at least one rehab assignment. The Birds have turned to Suárez out of necessity, but he’s earned an extended stay in the rotation.
Baltimore’s grueling June has been well documented, and the Birds summoned Cade Povich to help provide Kyle Bradish a few days of extra rest. The additional time clearly boosted Bradish in his last start, and the Orioles received a peek at their top pitching prospect.
Toronto tagged Povich for six runs in 5.1 innings, but the rookie flashed potential early in the contest. Nerves likely played a part in a few missed locations, and Dillon Tate allowed a pair of inherited runners to score after Hyde pulled the first-timer.
Povich will receive another look tonight at Camden Yards against the Braves, and this appearance could play a significant factor in determining his future with the big league club. The Orioles view Povich as a starter, and the organization will likely keep the 24-year-old in a rotation whether it’s in Baltimore or Norfolk.
The Orioles had already considered implementing a six-man rotation before Kremer went down, and the plan reemerged when Bradish required additional rest, but it remains to be seen how long the Birds can keep six starters on the active roster. Danny Coulombe’s recent injury only weakened an already short bullpen. Baltimore’s relievers have been on an absolute tear, but MLB roster regulations only allow 13 pitchers at any given time.
Suárez once appeared destined to rejoin the bullpen after making seven relief appearances this season. The Orioles currently lack a long man, and Suárez and Cole Irvin both have experience providing bulk relief, but it’s difficult to pull either from the rotation right now. Irvin holds a 6-2 record with a 2.87 ERA, 3.64 FIP and 129 ERA+ this season.
It’s easy enough for the Orioles to option Povich, especially if he struggles tonight, but Baltimore will have another move to make when Kremer (or the traditional five-man rotation) returns.
Suárez provides length from the bullpen, but he has yet to complete six innings as a starter. Hyde has yet to ask Suárez for that elusive 18th out, but his first 5+ innings are simply too valuable right now. Suárez may not project as a long-term rotation option, but the Orioles must continue to ride the hot hand until something changes.