Trey Gibson strikes out eight, allows tree runs

Gibson allowed 22 runs in 20 2/3 innings with the Orioles in the month of June. With Dean Kremer (quad) back from the injured list, Gibson was no longer needed in the MLB rotation

Gibson gave up two homers, five other hits and six walks in his worst outing to date. Since being recalled on June 8, he’s allowed 22 runs in 20 2/3 innings, with the Orioles losing all five of his starts. One would think he’ll be sent down after this to make room for the returning Dean Kremer.

With the Orioles off Thursday, Gibson was pulled after just 66 pitches today. It worked out initially, as the bullpen maintained a 5-2 lead until the eighth, but things went bad afterwards in what turned out to be a 7-6 loss in 10 innings. Gibson remained 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA through six starts and one relief appearance. He’s due to face the White Sox next week.

Gibson was tagged for four runs in a calamitous opening frame, which included two-run homers by Jackson Merrill and Samad Taylor. The 24-year-old pitching prospect managed to get out of the frame without any further damage and saved Baltimore’s bullpen by working into the fifth. He was all over the place from a command standpoint, managing to punch out a season-high seven, while also handing out five walks. It’s unclear whether he’ll get another turn in the rotation, but that’ll depend on whether Chris Bassitt (back) is ready to take the ball next week.

Gibson drew the starting assignment in place of an injured Chris Bassitt (back) and managed to keep Baltimore within striking distance into the middle innings. He failed to record a strikeout and issued one walk. He carried a shutout into the fifth inning before finally giving up a run and departing with a pair of runners on-base. Unfortunately, reliever Anthony Nunez walked Julio Rodríguez before coughing up a grand slam to Josh Naylor that ostensibly put this one away for good. Gibson is an interesting long-term prospect, but he holds a pedestrian 4.24 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 5/8 K/BB ratio across 17 innings this season. He’ll get the ball against the struggling Padres on Saturday if he stays in Baltimore’s rotation.

Gibson is one of the more intriguing young arms in the game but he’s posted a 3.65 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 5/7 K/BB ratio across 12 1/3 innings at the highest level this season. The 24-year-old prospect is not a recommended streaming option against the Blue Jays in a challenging road matchup in Canada.

Gibson allowed five runs on 13 hits in 12 1/3 innings in his first three appearances with the Orioles this season. That came with a 5/7 K/BB ratio, which makes us a little hesitant to use him in most fantasy leagues right now.

Gibson picked up his first victory against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing just one run on six hits and four walks across 5 1/3 innings of work. It’s unclear what the Orioles plan to do the next time this spot in the rotation comes around, but for now Gibson will continue to refine his craft at the Triple-A level.

It’s a full-blown miracle that Gibson escaped this start with just the one run on his ledger. There was only one inning in which he did not allow a baserunner and worked around multiple on three separate occasions. He also got two double plays on timely cutters, neither of which were those innings with multiple base runners. That cutter was something he went back to a few times when the going got tough and while it was often hit hard, it helped him get the job done. His stuff is legit despite some shaky results at the big league level so far, so keep a close eye on whether or not he sticks in the Orioles’ rotation for another turn.

Gibson is up and will make the start Wednesday against the Rays. The 24-year-old is one of the best pitching prospects in the system, but he’s been shaky in his limited action with Baltimore while allowing four runs over 6 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Gibson, but he’s more of a long-term play right now.