Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.
Question: How likely will the O’s be at the trade deadline in obtaining another quality starter? From: Richard Yingling
Answer: Richard, you’ve asked a popular question. Cameron Renner wants to know if I think the Orioles will seek a starter or reliever.
I think the Orioles will be active at the trade deadline, which is July 30th, and I think they’ll seek both a starter and reliever.
While starterDean Kremer is expected back next week, the Orioles’ run of starting pitching injuries this year — Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells — shows a need for an additional starter.
I think with left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe out for what could be more than two months, another reliever is a necessity.
Question: Is it me or do the O’s seem to score more runs in the sixth and seventh innings and also more runs when they are down to two outs? Do they keep stats on those situations? From: Michael Lalock
Answer: Yes, Michael they do keep statistics on those situations. Through Wednesday night’s game, the Orioles have their highest average, .285, in the fourth inning, and their weakest inning is the sixth, when they’re hitting .217.
The Orioles are batting .233 with two outs, .242 with one out and .271 with none out.