The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are locked in a heated battle for first place in the AL East. The Yankees currently hold a two-game lead over the O’s heading into play today. It’s been a back and forth race all season and it may have just gotten closer. On top of getting Heston Kjerstad back, the O’s will now get back reliever Jacob Webb prior to their series finale against the Detroit Tigers.
Webb pitched to a 3.08 ERA in 53 appearances prior to injuring his elbow on August 4th. Webb was arguably the best pitcher out of the O’s bullpen, appearing a staff-high 53 games before landing on the IL. He struck out 53 batters in 49.2 innings and did a good job of keeping the ball in the yard, allowing just four homers on the season. Webb has been very solid over the course of the season, but he was roughed up a bit in his last seven appearances.
Webb surrendered eight hits and five earned runs in his last 7.1 innings in the beginning of August. He may not be the only one to fault, as the team’s worst month of the season came in August. The team diagnosed Webb with right elbow inflammation, which may be the cause of his struggles lately. Baltimore placed him on the IL on August 4th, and he made several rehab appearances with AA Bowie and AAA Norfolk.
In corresponding moves, the team DFA’d pitcher Cole Irvin and infielder Nick Maton. Irvin had arguably the best month of his career in May of 2024. Irvin had a 3-1 record with a 2.01 with 18 strikeouts in five appearances. Irvin struggled after moving to the bullpen, pitching to an ERA of 6.48 since his great start to the season.
Nick Maton only appeared in five games with the Orioles in 2024. He was mainly used as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement, and he didn’t record a hit with the O’s. Maton spent the majority of his tenure with the O’s AAA affiliate the Norfolk Tides. Maton hit .261 with 16 homers and 56 RBIs in 86 games with the Tides in 2024. Maton will return to the Tides if he clears waivers.
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