It’s safe to say that things didn’t go as Orioles fans hoped this season. Baltimore’s disappointing spring led to an underwhelming summer. The Birds played some decent ball in June and July, but the front office acknowledged the inevitable when they sold several players at the trade deadline.
If you asked Orioles fans for one thing that they’d like out of this season, they would probably say a redo. Unfortunately, that’s not in the cards. The Birds are cemented in last place, and there’s only two
weeks of baseball left. So instead I’ll ask, what is the one thing you want out of these final two weeks?
A healthy Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg is a reasonable place to start. Westburg made his return last night, while Rutschman kicked off a week-long rehab assignment. Westburg’s injuries have developed into a pattern, while Rutschman hit the IL for the first time in his career earlier this year. Unfortunately, he hit it for a second time shortly after.
Baltimore suffered an unprecedented string of injuries this year, but the injuries to Westburg and Rutschman had a unique impact on the lineup. Brandon Hyde and Tony Mansolino made a point to stagger righties and lefties in the batting order, and both players were crucial for breaking up Jackson Holliday and Gunnar Henderson.
Baltimore struggled against southpaws all season. Injuries to Tyler O’Neill and Ryan Mountcastle did not help, but the team missed Westburg early and Rutschman throughout the dog days of summer. It’s far too late for the duo to make a true impact, but it would be encouraging to see both players end the season on a high note.
This year’s crop of prospects have already arrived, and both Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers made an instant impact. These two look like the real deal, and it’s difficult not to be overly optimistic when projecting beyond this year. Basallo clearly possesses the physical tools that motivated the O’s to lock him up long term, and Beavers has exceeded expectations with quick hands and a mature approach at the dish.
Maybe you just want to see Basallo and Beavers shine, but it’s okay to get greedy. Jeremiah Jackson emerged as one of the best stories of the season after making an unanticipated appearance on the big league roster. Jackson has already positioned himself as a utility candidate for next season, but maybe the 25-year-0ld has more left to give.
Jackson utilized an aggressive approach to make a name for himself, but opposing pitchers have become wise to his plan at the plate. The former Angels prospect holds a .284 average and 115 OPS+ this season, but he’s only slashed .163/.234/.326 over the last two weeks.
This is how the big leagues work. Young hitters experience success, and pitchers make adjustments. Fringe major leaguers may never bounce back, but the real prospects find a way to re-adjust. Jackson recorded multiple extra-base hits last night, and there’s a world where some increased plate discipline from the rookie could be the most encouraging thing to come out of these final two weeks.
Jackson has made a strong argument to be included in the Orioles young core, but another potential member has fallen out of the spotlight. Chayce McDermott ended last season as a Top 10 Orioles prospect according to MLB Pipeline, but the hard throwing righty failed to make an impact.
The Orioles moved McDermott to the bullpen at Triple-A, and the 27-year-old found new life. The Birds recalled McDermott earlier this week, and he hit 98 MPH during a rough relief appearance last night. Baltimore will need competent relievers with options next season, and the club would love to have McDermott factor into that equation.
There are plenty of other players that can provide some encouragement over the final two weeks. O’Neill and Colton Cowser will be leaned on next season, but both players had their years derailed by injuries. The club still hopes Coby Mayo will develop into an everyday first baseman and more three-hit nights like yesterday’s will help the cause.
If you’re still paying attention, you must be hoping for a few things. What would you like to see over the final two weeks?
