The Orioles will finish their 11-game homestand this week with a three-game set starting tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. The rosters have expanded, a couple trades were made, and the final stretch run towards a division title has begun. September may be the longest month ever for O’s fans as we wait for the Birds to clinch the East.
The Magic Number is Down to 19
This number fluctuates by the game, but the fact remains, the Orioles have a real shot to win the division before they hit the road to end the season. On their last homestand the O’s face the Boston Red Sox on Friday, September 19-Sunday, September 21. It would be amazing if they can clinch in one of the first two games to avoid doing it on Sunday when the Ravens play or when the O’s are on the road to finish the year.
The city was never able to celebrate with the players in 2012, so it would be special if it could happen this year. From a baseball standpoint, this would allow Buck Showalter to set his rotation up and rest players in that final week. Am I getting ahead of myself? Maybe, but this team has given me no reason to doubt their ability to seal up a division title.
Andrew Miller getting tired?
To steal a phrase from Buck Showalter, Andrew Miller “has spoiled us at a high level for a long time,” but he has looked more human in his last couple of appearances. Do we chalk it up to him making a few bad pitches or that he is wearing down a little bit? Miller currently ranks in the top 10 in appearances by a relief pitcher with 63. Miller was used A LOT by the Boston Red Sox prior to the trade and Miller missed the last couple of months of last season with a foot injury.
With the rosters expanding and the lead in the division comfortable, I think Showalter can rest Miller more frequently than before. Also notable, Zach Britton isn’t too far behind with 61 appearances. Just something to monitor in the last month of the season.
O’s add depth with Kelly Johnson and Alejandro De Aza
I am not sure the impact either of these players will make down the stretch, but it shows you that Dan Duquette is proactive instead of reactive. After the Manny Machado injury (and if you really want to go back further, the Nick Markakis injury in 2012), we know that a significant injury can come at any time. I think Duquette wanted to make sure that if an injury happens, the team would be covered with two solid veteran players.
All you have to do is look at Steve Pearce dealing with an injury right now and J.J. Hardy leaving Sunday’s game with back spasms. Also, the O’s are a very heavy right-handed heavy lineup and De Aza and Johnson bat left and hit righties well. We could see a platoon this month in left field and possibly second base, which doesn’t bode well for David Lough and Ryan Flaherty (though both responded well with good games this weekend).
