The tough stretch of AL East games continued for the Baltimore Orioles this week, as they split a 4-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays before heading into Tampa Bay to take the first 3 games of the series heading into Monday’s series finale.
Pitching continued to be fantastic this week for the O’s, but it was really the offense that put on a show, as they averaged over 6 runs per game this week. If the O’s can maintain this dynamic duo of clinical pitching and strong batting, they will continue to be one of the best all-around teams in the entire league. Let’s take a look at this week’s who’s hot and who’s not:
Batting
Who’s Hot: Anthony Santander
It has been a tough stretch for Anthony Santander over the past month or so. However, it may be safe to say that all of those struggles are behind him now. Santander started heating up a couple of weeks ago, but really took his game to another level this week. Santander batted .296 this week while launching 4 home runs. The only downside for Santander this week was that most of his home runs were solo homers, as he only drove in 6 runs over the course of the week. However, he was able to tally 22 total bases thanks to some great power that we are used to seeing from Tony Taters.
We have seen a resurgence from this Orioles offense of late, and a lot of that can be attributed to some familiar faces starting to get going again. Guys like Santander and Austin Hays are starting to hit the ball like their old selves again, while guys like Jordan Westburg, Gunnar Henderson, and Adley Rutschman continue to rake. If the Orioles bats can keep performing at their current level, with the pitching staff continuing their tremendous season, this Baltimore Orioles team could be one of the toughest, if not the toughest, to beat in the entire league.
Weekly Stats: .296 Avg / 4 HR / 6 RBI / 3 BB / 4 K / 2 2B / 0 3B / 22 Total Bases / 0 SB
Who’s Not: Cedric Mullins
It was yet another tough week for Cedric Mullins. Although he did begin to turn things around Sunday afternoon against the Rays going 2-4 with a triple and a stolen base, Mullins batted just .143 this week, with those two hits being his only ones. He failed to drive in any runs and struck out 4 times in 14 at-bats.
I don’t think it needs to be said that Cedric Mullins is on the hot seat right now. He is an All-Star caliber player who simply cannot get out of this rut he is in. Hopefully, his performance on Sunday afternoon is a step in the right direction, but as of right now, Cedric Mullins is flirting with being benched on a more consistent basis, if not sent down to Triple-A for a reset altogether.
Weekly Stats: .143 Avg / 0 HR / 0 RBI / 2 BB / 4 K / 0 2B / 1 3B / 4 Total Bases / 2 SB
Pitching
Who’s Hot: Grayson Rodriguez
There is no question that the Orioles’ starting rotation is one of the best in the entire major leagues. A big part of the O’s success this year in terms of pitching stems from Grayson Rodriguez. The young ace continued to dominate opponents this week in 2 appearances. In 6.2 innings against the Blue Jays on Monday, Grayson allowed just 1 earned run on 7 hits while striking out 4 in a win. He then carried a perfect game into the 6th inning in a blowout win against the Rays Sunday afternoon. He ended that game with 2 earned runs allowed off of 2 hits while striking out 6.
Grayson has proven to be the 3rd ace in this Orioles rotation behind Corbin Burnes and Kyle Bradish. Grayson’s stuff is electric and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He is currently 7-2 with a 3.27 ERA this season. With performances like this from Grayson & Co., it is hard to imagine how teams will be able to put up runs against this O’s starting rotation, and that could very well be the difference down the stretch this season.
Weekly Stats: 12.1 IP / 9 H / 1 BB / 2.23 ERA / 10 K / 2-0
Who’s Not: Cade Povich
The long-anticipated debut for the Orioles’ number 9 prospect, Cade Povich, did not go as the team would have hoped. Povich, who was acquired in the Jorge Lopez trade back in 2022, struggled mightily with his command, as he ended up walking 4 batters in just 5.1 innings. The walks were definitely the biggest concern for the 24-year-old lefty, some of which may likely be attributed to nerves given the moment it was for him.
Povich gave up 6 runs, mainly stemming from the walks, while allowing 5 hits and striking out only 2. It is way too early to be concerned about a prospect of Cade Povich’s stature. This was his first career game and there will be plenty of opportunities for him to bounce back. With injuries to the O’s starting rotation, Povich will certainly get further opportunities and no fan should be concerned until a further sample size of outings is produced.
Weekly Stats: 5.1 IP / 5 H / 4 BB / 10.59 ERA / 2 K / 0-1
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