The recent news of All-Star infielder Jordan Westburg being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a broken right hand has sent shockwaves through the Baltimore Orioles organization. Unfortunately, Westburg sustained this injury after being hit by a pitch from Yerry Rodriguez during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed his hope that Westburg can make a speedy recovery and return to the lineup before the regular season concludes. Despite the setback, Westburg’s impact on the team has been undeniable, with a batting average of .269 along with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs in 101 games this season.
With Westburg sidelined, there is speculation about the opportunity this creates for top corner infield prospect Coby Mayo. Although the Orioles have an open spot on their 40-man roster, Mayo has not been called up yet. Manager Brandon Hyde hinted at Mayo’s possible promotion, stating, “I’m sure you’ll see Coby here at some point.” This could be a chance for Mayo to showcase his skills at the Major League level and make a significant impact in Westburg’s absence.
In addition to Westburg’s injury, the Orioles have been busy with a flurry of other transactions. Three players acquired at the trade deadline – outfielder/designated hitter Eloy Jimenez, outfielder Austin Slater, and left-hander Trevor Rogers – have been activated. Furthermore, infielder Livan Soto has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk. On the flip side, left-hander Keegan Akin and outfielder Heston Kjerstad have been optioned to Norfolk, while outfielder Cristian Pache has been designated for assignment. These moves indicate the Orioles’ commitment to reshaping their roster and making strategic adjustments as they navigate the challenges of the season.
Making Tough Decisions
One of the toughest decisions for the Orioles was the optioning of Heston Kjerstad, a player highly regarded within the organization. Manager Brandon Hyde highlighted the difficulty of this choice, emphasizing their belief in Kjerstad’s talent. Hyde clarified that this move was made in consideration of the team’s current roster needs and the availability of playing time. Despite this setback, there remains optimism that Kjerstad could return to the team in the future and continue to contribute to their success.
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a series of challenges and adjustments as they navigate the latter part of the season. With key players sidelined due to injuries and new faces joining the roster, the team is working diligently to maintain their competitiveness and position themselves for future success. Despite the setbacks, there is a sense of optimism and determination within the organization as they strive to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger than before.
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