Jason Hammel has one less quality start than the entire Orioles rotation

Jason Hammel turned in his fourth quality start in as many appearances on Tuesday night as his Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 9-2. Hammel has been pretty nasty with Chicago, 27.2 IP, 2.60 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, .151 BAA.

Yeah, the Orioles could use that.

Of course, Hammel is pitching in the National League. He’s got to be facing some lowly offenses, right?

The Diamondbacks fit that description for sure, but Hammel has also pitched well against the Pirates (twice) and in New York against the Yankees. Pittsburgh’s offense is only slashing .232/.304/.282 on the season, but they’ve shown some pop with an NL-leading 27 dingers on the young season.

With the state of their already overtaxed bullpen, the Orioles should could use a guy that could pitch into the seventh inning. Their starters have pitched more than six innings in just seven of the O’s first 19 games.

Maybe the Orioles can pick him up at the trade deadline.

Image Credit: Keith Allison