Orioles’ starting pitchers have allowed just two runs across 26 innings (0.69 ERA) over the first four games of the season, but don’t let that fool you.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Orioles are currently “poking around” for fifth-starter types.
Justin Duchscherer and Brian Matusz are both on the disabled list and will likely be sidelined for the entire first month of the season. Jeremy Guthrie is spending another night in the hospital due to pneumonia and is a question mark to start this weekend. Likewise, Zach Britton, Jake Arrieta and Chris Tillman have a grand total of 44 major league starts between them, so the Orioles could certainly use some insurance, even of the mediocre variety.
We haven’t heard any specific names yet, but some notable free agents include the recently-released Carlos Silva and Doug Davis, who is coming back from elbow surgery. The Orioles were one of eight teams present when Davis threw a bullpen session late last month.
