Good morning Birdland,
It’s officially July, which means trade season will soon be open. Last year, the Orioles traded away reliever Bryan Baker on July 10, when they were 10 games under .500. and seven games back of the final wild card spot. While dealing away a middle reliever isn’t necessarily a sign of surrender, that’s exactly what it would be for the 2025 Orioles.
Right now, the 2026 version of the Orioles are 9 games under .500, five games back of the final wild card spot, and in the midst of a four-game
losing streak. This year’s AL is worse than it was a season ago, so perhaps there is some reason for optimism in the organization. More likely, there is pressure within the front office to just make this roster work, no matter what. The team’s on-field play is making that a tough case to prove.
The Orioles 9-3 loss on Tuesday night was just the latest disheartening performance. Some of that was another tough start for rookie Trey Gibson, which is frustrating but understandable for such a young player. More annoying was yet another weak offensive showing. They had nine hits, but scored just three runs, and did not hit any home runs. It’s just not good enough, and while their have been moments of brilliance, and some good weeks mixed in, the squad has just generally been a disappointing. There are no signs to indicate that will change.
That doesn’t mean the Orioles need to get to selling right now. Maybe a miracle happens, they forget who they are, and they string together a bunch of wins by the end of the month. That would be fun to see. But we shouldn’t hold our breath. And considering the times that Mike Elias has given up on solid-but-not-great teams, it would be pretty frustrating to see him pick THIS team as one worth doubling down on come the deadline.
Stay cool out there today, Baltimore. It’s gonna be a hot one. And we have an Orioles game right in the middle of it. First pitch is 12:35 from Camden Yards. Stay in the shade. Drink water. And get inside when possible.
Links
‘They have every right to boo’: Albernaz, Orioles confront struggles as Deadline looms | Orioles.com
The thing is that Orioles fans do NOT have championship expectations for their baseball team. These guys don’t need to be the Dodgers or Yankees in order for fans to be pleased. But they should be competitive and in the mix for a playoff spot. Instead, they are a nightly disappointment.
This, that and the other | Roch Kubatko
Some Mike Elias quotes from over the weekend are in here. He spoke about injuries, how they have impacted the team, and the upcoming trade deadline. It is fair to say that injuries have been a problem for the Orioles, but come on. The team doesn’t stink because Jordan Westburg and Zach Eflin have been out. They should have been able to absorb those losses and still been an 85-90 win team. The issues go deeper.
Jon Meoli: If the Orioles even give Mike Elias a trade deadline choice, buying is the only one | The Baltimore Banner
Eh, I’m not sure I agree with the premise. The roster is flawed and hasn’t shown the sort of upside that, to me, feels worth doubling down on. They do have a few weeks to go on some sort of magical run. We’ll see.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Nelson Cruz turns 46 today. The slugger spent just one season in Baltimore, but it was a good one. He led the league with 40 home runs and helped the Orioles capture the 2014 AL East title.
- Jamie Walker is 55 years old. He pitched out of the Orioles bullpen for parts of three seasons from 2007 through ’09.
This day in O’s history
1957 – Orioles pitcher George Zuverink and catcher Frank Zupo form the first “Z” batter in major league history in a 3-2 loss to the Yankees.
1967 – Orioles pitcher Mike Adamson makes his major league debut, becoming the first draftee to bypass the minors and go straight to the majors. However, he will play in the minors in 1968.
1982 – Orioles manager Earl Weaver moves Cal Ripken Jr. from third base to shortstop.
1994 – The Orioles and Angels combine to hit a major league record-tying 11 home runs in a 14-7 win for the O’s.
