Question: If it’s pretty clear on August 1st that the Orioles are not in contention for a wild card, do you think the Orioles will still bring back Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells? Or let them sit out the entire year to make sure they are fully recovered and start from scratch next spring. I think the extra recovery time would benefit them. From: Ricky Templeton
Answer: Ricky, I think the Orioles would want both Bradish and Wells to pitch when they think they’re ready and when the players think they’re ready, no matter how the standings look.
I think it’s also important for injured players to feel confident that they’re healed entering the offseason. They’d have more rust if they didn’t pitch, and that’s not a good thing. If they need extra recovery time, they won’t pitch.
Question: A question about Tyler O’Neill. He has a three-year, $49.5 million contract with an opt-out after this season. He’s prone to injuries and strikeouts. Do you think Baltimore will still keep him on the roster? From: Gene Hall
Answer: Gene, Tyler O’Neill has certainly been a disappointment so far. I can’t see the Orioles cutting him and eating the rest of his contract, but they’re hoping to see some production from him. Unless he gets hot the last four months of the season, I don’t think O’Neill will opt out of the remaining two years of his contract, and the Orioles still need productive outfielders, so I think he’ll continue to get opportunities.
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.