The Baltimore Orioles have gone through injuries just as much as anyone this season. The good news is that they’re finally getting healthy at the right time. The O’s are 86-70 and sit six games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East. The team is most likely out of the running for the division, but they are looking to get the first wildcard spot in the American League. The Orioles are set to gain a key contributor back for the last six games of the regular season before the playoffs.
Earlier today the team activated infielder Ryan Mountcastle from the injured list. Baltimore placed Mountcastle on the 10-day injured list on August 23, due to a left wrist sprain. It took a little longer than expected for him to get back, but Mountcastle looks to add his bat to an offense that’s been one of the worst in the last month. Prior to being placed on IL, Mountcastle was batting .265 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs in 118 games. He also showcased his gold glove caliber defense at first base. Mountcastle is also valuable because he does well against right- and left-handed pitchers. Mountcastle has a higher average against lefties (.290) but he has hit more home runs (nine) and more RBIs (49) against righties. Baltimore can use him as their everyday first basemen come playoff time.
In a corresponding move, the team optioned DH Eloy Jimenez to AAA Norfolk. Jimenez got off to a hot start after the O’s acquired him from the White Sox at the deadline. He has since struggled, batting just .198 over his last 30 games. Jimenez was known for his power earlier in his career, but he has not shown that with the Orioles, hitting just one in his tenure in Baltimore. The team decided not to keep Jimenez because he doesn’t play any position in the field, so he was only being used for his bat. It’s tough to keep a designated hitter in the lineup when they don’t hit.
The Orioles are glad to have Mountcastle back as well as the others they have gotten from injury. Earlier last week the team welcomed back Heston Kjerstad, Danny Coulombe, Ramon Urias, Jordan Westburg, and Jacob Webb. These key players will look to contribute to an Orioles team trying to capture home field advantage in the Wild Card round.
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