By Austin Medina
In 2019, only one Orioles starting pitcher produced a sub-four ERA. Aside from John Means, the O's rotation is very much in limbo heading into 2020.
With last year's starters Andrew Cashner and Dylan Bundy no longer in Baltimore, the rotation will see a few starters move up the ranks.
Pitchers Alex Cobb and Asher Wojciechowski look to lock down the second and third spots within the rotation.
Cobb, 32, started just three games and posting an 0-2 record with a 10.95 ERA. As for Wojciechowski, his strikeouts number were solid in 2019 although he produced a 4.92 ERA.
Orioles GM Mike Elias spoke on the rotation heading into 2020.
"With Means, a healthy Cobb back, Wojo, there’s some guys that really have the inside track right now,” Elias stated. “So we feel pretty good about the front end.”
As for the back end, four starters seem to be in contention for the final two spots. Veteran pitchers Wade LeBlanc and Tommy Milone have had strong performances in spring training. LeBlanc is 2-0 with six strikeouts over five innings. Milone has started one game for the O's, striking out three over two innings of work.
With that said, LeBlanc and Milone are far from locks in the rotation as younger pitchers Kohl Stewart and Keegan Akin are both regarded prospects within the system.
Akin, a former second round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, will look to push for the fifth starting spot.
Elias went on to speak about the uncertantity of the back end of the starting rotation.
“We’re looking for pieces in the back end of the rotation. I think we have options here, but it’s something that we’re going to continue to evaluate and keep an eye on."
With Opening Day less than three weeks away, ideally a few starters emerge throughout spring training.