The Baltimore Orioles were able to get out of the Bronx with three-out-of-four victories. However, their bullpen surely will need fresh arms.
After beginning the season 1-and-5 and being swept out of Houston, the Baltimore Orioles can be proud about finishing their road trip with three-out-of-four victories. Winning a series in New York versus the Yankees, after going 2-and-8 there last season, certainly makes for a happy train ride back to Baltimore.
The two teams played a total of 45 innings over four days, scored a combined 43 runs and used seemingly every pitcher on their rosters. But, the Orioles took the series – their first series victory of the season – and prepare to come back home to take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
But, having played a 14-inning game Friday night and a 12-inning game on Sunday, the bullpen is going to be in need of a fresh arm or two. The bullpen combined for 27 innings over four games, allowing 17 hits, but just seven earned runs. They struck out 21 batters on their way to a 2.33 ERA.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Before the start of Saturday’s game, right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis was summoned from Triple-A Norfolk. And, before the start of Sunday’s matchup, Yacabonis was sent back down in place of righty, Tanner Scott.
Who could get the call-up
Well, there could be some choices that manager Buck Showalter will contemplate. The team could use a long reliever since Richard Bleier tossed a combined 5.1 innings since Friday. Jayson Aquino could be the man for that role.
Aquino appeared in four games last season – starting two – and pitched to a 7.43 ERA in 13.1 innings pitched. A 6.46 FIP, combined with a 1.575 WHIP make your eyes bug out, but, had a good spring. In three appearances, he gave up just two runs in five innings.
He only has one option remaining though, so it’d be more likely the left-hander out of the Dominican Republic is brought up for a more long-term role.
Then, there’s right-hander, Yefry Ramirez.
Ramirez came over to the organization last June, in a trade with the Yankees. He has not appeared in a Major League game, however, has already made an appearance with Triple-A Norfolk. He started Norfolk’s opener on Friday, tossing four innings and allowing just one run on 72 pitches.
He’s well rested and comes with two options.
Next: Trey Mancini should continue leading off
Whoever boards the Norfolk shuttle tomorrow is certain to be used in tomorrow’s game versus the Blue Jays. The decision could be who fares the best against a Blue Jay lineup hitting just .228 through ten games.