Baltimore Orioles: A taxed bullpen through ten games

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.

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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.

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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.