Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country.
When I asked the question for this week’s poll of Orioles fans, it looked like the team might be on the verge of going somewhere, and it might actually matter when their injured players returned and how soon. They have spent the days since heading in the wrong direction. Oops.
Whether it ends up mattering or not, it seems like all of these
four injured Orioles are going to make their way back this season. Samuel Basallo has already returned, with Blaze Alexander and Félix Bautista not far behind. Ryan Helsley is also out there somewhere. Whose return will help the most? Here’s what you said:
Basallo was the overwhelming choice, and when you’ve seen what the catchers have been doing in the time after the Adley Rutschman trade where Basallo was still on the injured list, it’s no surprise why. Carlos Narváez has three hits in 38 at-bats as an Oriole, none of which have gone for extra bases. That’s rough. This is going to have to improve somehow for the Orioles to yet again turn the operation around in a good direction.
We’ll have to see how that catching situation shakes out for the short term, though, since the Orioles did have Basallo play first base on Thursday. Maybe that’s about being cautious with Pete Alonso’s calf or maybe it’s about being cautious with Basallo’s shoulder.
Alexander came in second, which is fitting since he’ll probably be back next. If he can come back hitting like he was before he got hit on the hand, that will make a positive impact on the Orioles lineup. They don’t have a high batting average guy without him.
This week’s survey is sponsored by FanDuel.
