Expectations for the Orioles starting rotation were kept in check entering this season. Baltimore’s staff had three locks in Alex Cobb, Andrew Cashner and Dylan Bundy. After that, a plethora of guys would compete to take the ball every fifth day. No one anticipated a Cy Young award, All-Star selection, or even an ERA below four.
After Cobb, who was briefly tabbed the Orioles Opening-Day starter, suffered a right groin strain, the Orioles had only two known commodities to begin the year. Baltimore kicked around the idea of using Nate Karns, a former starter who had been plagued by injuries, every fifth day, but the injury bug bit him once again, diminishing him to a bullpen role even when healthy.