The reaction was predictable. Players watched as a teammate got injured, struggling to make sense of it or keep track of the mounting injuries.
Zach Eflin was reinstated from the injured list and started yesterday’s series finale in Colorado, just hours after a 103.1 mph line drive struck Dean Kremer’s right arm, leaving a noticeable welt above his wrist. Once again, the Orioles found themselves in a cycle of winning one game and losing the next.
Kremer avoided the injured list, and the upcoming off-day on Thursday might work in his favor. However, he only lasted 3 1/3 innings, forcing manager Brandon Hyde to use six relievers in a 7-5 loss. Hyde mentioned yesterday that he would be surprised if Kremer started within the next four or five days.
Ramón Urías was hit on the nose by a 93.8 mph sinker, stayed in the game, and then rolled his ankle while covering third base. Now on crutches, he’s been placed on the 10-day IL, sidelining the Orioles’ hottest hitter indefinitely.
If it weren’t for bad luck…
“It was a disappointing night,” said Orioles first base coach Anthony Sanders. “But we’re really worried about Dean and Urías, especially after Urías took a hit to the nose and then injured his ankle. We just have to cross our fingers and hope we can stay healthy down the stretch.”
That would be a welcome change from the current pattern.
As they say, misery loves company, and the Orioles know they aren’t the only team being hit by the baseball gods. They question why it keeps happening but acknowledge it’s not just them.
“If you look at the big picture, you see it,” Sanders said, “but then you look around the league and notice all the other injuries. We just have to stay afloat and adopt a next-man-up mentality.”
Catcher James McCann stood at the railing Saturday night, feeling a mix of disbelief and déjà vu. It makes sense with this team, especially in the crazy year of 2024.
“You hear the comments in the dugout when it happens,” McCann said before hitting a home run and a double in a 6-1 win. “It’s not so much surprise as it is, ‘Here we go again.’
“It’s frustrating, especially since Urie has been carrying the offense for a few weeks. Dean is obviously a key part of our pitching staff. The frustrations keep piling up. But as we’ve said all season, we can’t let it drag us down. We have to keep fighting and find a way. Next man up.”
Another player could be called up later today, with catcher David Bañuelos likely to be sent back down after a brief stint. The Orioles selected his contract for the third time because he was nearby, one of the perks of being on the taxi squad.
A 40-man roster spot would open up if Bañuelos is designated for assignment. The Orioles might bring up an infielder with Urías injured, especially since Liván Soto’s only appearance was as a pinch-runner.
Nick Maton wasn’t in Norfolk’s lineup last night, and he’s batting .261/.368/.477 with 12 doubles and 16 home runs. He had a brief stint with the Orioles in June but was outrighted shortly after.
Jean Segura was granted his release yesterday, and J.D. Davis isn’t hitting well, if that’s a consideration. Davis, who started at third base for the Tides last night, could fill in at the corners with Urías and Ryan Mountcastle on the IL.
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