Wells to the IL, Kimbrel impressing, pitcher injuries, and homer happiness!
Good morning, Birdland!
The O’s have gone streaking. They whooped the Twins 11-3 on Tuesday night, making it three straight wins for the Birds. That has bumped their record to 11-6 on the young year, just half a game behind the Yankees in the AL East. They go for their second series sweep of the season this afternoon. It’s a 1:05 first pitch for the getaway game ahead of a trip to Kansas City.
The offense has really found its footing recently. Since the end of the Pirates series on April 7, the Orioles have played eight games. The offense has scored five or more runs in seven of those contests. That’s typically a winning formula regardless of pitching performance.
Gunnar Henderson is playing like the MVP candidate that many were hoping he would be coming into the year. After his 3-for-5 on Tuesday he now owns a .903 OPS and already has five home runs and four stolen bases. He appears well on his way to a 30/30 season.
It was good to see Anthony Santander get a pair of hits. His season has gotten off to a slow start (.200/.243/.369), but he was always going to figure it out. Jordan Westburg is going under the radar with his ridiculous start to the year (four home runs, .955 OPS).
And what can we say about Ryan O’Hearn? He hits a home run every day now. That’s just what he does! I don’t think I was alone in my concern for him coming into the season. He slumped down the stretch in 2023, and it felt like regression was going to smack him in the face. Instead, he’s been one of the best hitters on the team.
What strikes me is just how deep the lineup is. There are no breaks for opposing pitchers as it is, and this unit is not firing on all cylinders just yet. Adley Rutschman has been fine, but is lacking in the power department. Jackson Holliday is just starting his career, and the numbers are yet to show up. Austin Hays should be better than he has been, even in a fourth outfielder capacity. And oh yeah, there are a handful of prospects down in Norfolk that might still make an impact.
They aren’t going to score 11 runs every night, but over the long haul this is a formidable group that can absorb slumps and injuries. It’s fun to watch.
Links
Orioles Place Tyler Wells On Injured List Due To Elbow Inflammation | MLB Trade Rumors
Elbow inflammation is not good for pitchers, although Brandon Hyde said that it was “precautionary.” So, hopefully he is only out for a couple of weeks. That could coincide with John Means’ return as well, so would Wells be back as a starter or reliever? We shall see.
Kimbrel keeps impressing his Orioles teammates | Roch Kubatko
He’s not Félix Bautista, but Craig Kimbrel has been quite good early on. The Orioles have been conservative with his use, almost never using him outside of save opportunities, but if that keeps him as fresh as possible then keep on doing it.
With no easy answer, Orioles grapple with pitcher injury epidemic: ‘We’ve got a problem in our game’ | The Baltimore Sun
It has been said for years that pitchers are basically throwing as hard as the human body is capable. So, it makes sense that injuries are becoming an issue. My guess is that eventually rosters are expanded further, some limitations are put on playing time, and/or the season is shortened slightly.
O’s ‘young, hungry lineup’ homering at a historic pace | Orioles.com
I was worried about this team’s power potential coming into the season, even more so once Heston Kjerstad was demoted to begin the year. Well, that has not been a problem so far!
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Logan Gillaspie turns 27. The righty spent portions of the last two seasons in the Orioles’ bullpen. He is currently on the Padres’ Triple-A roster.
- Craig Worthington celebrates his 59th birthday. From 1988 through ‘91 he played third base with the O’s before being dealt to the Padres heading into the 1992 campaign.
- Dave Huppert is 67. A longtime catcher in the Orioles organization he played only two games for the big league club, although they both came during the magical 1983 season.
This day in O’s history
1968 – The Orioles beat the Oakland Athletics 4-1 in the A’s first game at the Oakland Coliseum after moving from Kansas City. Boog Powell, Mark Belanger, and Brooks Robinson all homer in support of Dave McNally on the mound.
1988 – With a 12th straight loss to begin the season, the Orioles are well on their way to setting the all-time record of futility to open a campaign.