A dominating win, Coulombe is back, Mountcastle is rehabbing, and voting for MVO.
Good Morning, Birdland!
Folks, are the Orioles back? OK, maybe that is dramatic, but last night was a lot of fun. Corbin Burnes looked like a Cy Young candidate, the offense was smoking the ball all over the field, and two recently-injured relievers were back in action. Dare I say, it felt like a winning postseason formula.
The win last night made it two in a row, the first time this team has done that in nearly three weeks (Sept. 1-3), That is a somewhat sad fact, but it would represent a positive (albeit brief) trend. They need more of that in this final week of the regular season.
Even more good news could be found down on the farm yesterday. Jordan Westburg and Ramón Urías continued their rehabs at Triple-A. Both of them had two hits, including a double for Westburg and a homer for Urías. Ryan Mountcastle joined them in the Norfolk lineup, although he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Regardless, getting that trio back in time for October would be huge. The Orioles need offensive help on the infield. Last night the combination of Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, and Emmanuel Rivera combined to go 1-for-11 with six strikeouts. Any sort of bump there would be appreciated.
Links
Orioles’ Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo understand their shrinking roles | The Baltimore Sun
Hopefully this extended audition will give Holliday and Mayo a good base on which to build the rest of their careers. It has not gone great for them in Baltimore this year, but the first taste of big league action has frequently been a struggle for some of the Orioles’ top talents.
Orioles Activate Danny Coulombe From Injured List | MLB Trade Rumors
The Orioles’ pitching staff has rounded into form in recent weeks, but the middle innings were still dicey. Coulombe’s return will help in that department, and there is just enough time for him to get back up to speed before crucial postseason innings.
Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle: Starting rehab assignment | CBS Sports
Ryan O’Hearn has picked up the pace recently, but he still hasn’t hit a home run in September. The Orioles could use more power out of first base. Mountcastle certainly provides that when healthy. Hopefully his wrist is truly improving.
Announcement on Most Valuable Oriole coming later today | Roch Kubatko
Is this really a competition? Gunnar Henderson is just so much better than anyone else on the roster. The vote should not be close, although I certainly appreciate what Burnes has done for the rotation, and the way Anthony Santander has led the team with both his performance and the way he goes about his business.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Zach Phillips turns 38 today. He pitched in 16 games for the O’s between 2011 and ‘12.
This day in history
1961 – The Orioles hold Roger Maris hitless and beat the Yankees 5-3. Jack Fisher tosses a three-hit complete game, and all three runs scored against him are unearned.
1984 – Jim Traber makes his big league debut with the Orioles. Prior to the game he sings the national anthem at Memorial Stadium, then he starts at DH for the O’s. Unfortunately, the Red Sox win the game 8-0.