There is no question that the Baltimore Orioles would love to get out from under Chris Davis‘ massive contract. The one time fearsome slugger still has two years and $46 million left on his seven year deal, a contract that turned out to be a disaster in every way possible. Yet, Davis is continuing to attempt to play, and the Orioles will have to pay him no matter what.
However, the Orioles may have a way to keep him from hurting the lineup. Davis may end up being placed on the 60 day Injured List due to a lower back strain that has sidelined him for much of spring training.
Brandon Hyde said the 60-day IL is "a possibility" for Chris Davis #orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) March 22, 2021
Baltimore Orioles may be able to hide Chris Davis
While Davis had been hopeful that he would be able to bounce back this year, he did not have much of a chance to prove himself before being sidelined. He had all of two plate appearances, striking out once. Obviously, that means absolutely nothing.
The problem is that Davis has not given the Orioles any reason for hope. He has produced a horrific .169/.251/.299 batting line in his last 929 plate appearances, hitting just 28 homers and 24 doubles while striking out 348 times. He has not been close to being productive in years.
Yet, as bad as Davis had been in aggregate over the past three years, they would have preferred that showing to his 2020 performance. Despite appearing in just 16 games, Davis managed to post a -0.9 bWAR, an impressively putrid total. He managed a Rafael Belliard-esque -7 OPS+ in his 55 plate appearances, with three doubles amongst his six hits.
Davis being removed from the equation presumably solves a playing time issue. While Trey Mancini and Ryan Mountcastle are obviously better solutions for the first base/corner outfield spots, Davis would end up getting game action due to his salary. Now they can just focus on putting the best possible lineup on the diamond without worrying about having a $23 million player sitting on the bench.
The Baltimore Orioles may have a temporary solution to their Chris Davis problem. He may begin the season on the 60 day Injured List.