Today the Orioles announced that Matt Wieters will undergo Tommy John Surgery tomorrow and be lost for the remainder of 2014.
Wieters last played on May 10 against the Houston Astros, where he had been serving as the team’s designated hitter in order to give his ailing elbow some rest. A previous visit with Dr. Andrews in early May revealed that Wieters, at the time, was not a candidate for TJS and could continue to DH.
Throughout the past month, Wieters has attempted to do some light throwing, but has been unable to complete all but one of his sessions without elbow discomfort. Everyone expected the worst, and that’s the news that came out today.
The surgery is heartbreaking for the O’s and fans as Matt was having arguably his greatest season at the dish batting .308/.339/.500 with 5 home runs. He had finally found his swing that Birdland had been waiting for, and now the news of the end of his 2014-2015 brings nothing but sadness to a team who will miss their two-time (would have been three-time) All-Star.
The Orioles have been preparing for this possible outcome, acquiring Nick Hundley in exchange for troubled relief pitcher Troy Patton. Since arriving in Baltimore – giving Steve Clevenger the boot to Norfolk – Hundley has been nothing to write home about, batting .147/.184/.147 with 4 RBI.
Dan Duquette may have acquired Hundley for his veteran presence and his ability to handle a pitching staff, but his lack of ability to damage with the bat is not acceptable for a team in a pennant race – especially one that struggles to score runs as the O’s often do.
Caleb Joseph, who was chosen to stay at the Big Leagues over Clevenger based on what Buck said was a “51 to 49” decision due to defensive ability, has also been a disappointment with the bat.
Joseph tore it up last year at Bowie batting .299/.346/.494 with 22 home runs, but since reaching the Show he is batting an atrocious .130/.242/.167. Caleb has however shown off his defensive ability, carrying a 3.3 defensive WAR (placing him in the top half among catchers) and has made some pretty spectacular plays on the field.
But again, his woes at the plate are too ugly to swallow, especially when you take a look at what the Pride of Pigtown has been doing down on the farm.
Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows that I am huge Steve Clevenger fan, ever since he has arrived in Baltimore. I love everything about having a homegrown, life-long Orioles fan playing for his favorite team. Add in what Steve has already done for this organization with the bat and what’s not to love?
In the last 10 games alone for the Tides, Clevenger has batted .500/.558/.632 with 5 doubles, 9 RBI, and walked five times compared to striking out just three times. In his time with the Major League club, Steve hit .243/.300/.378 with eight doubles and a triple. It is safe to say that Stevie can out-hit both Joseph and Hundley combined, and their struggles cannot be ignored while Clevenger is tearing up AAA ball.
With Wieters done until the beginning of the 2015 season, it is time to start thinking about life without Wieters long-term. Clevenger is clearly the option to attempt to replace what Matt brought to the plate, but Joseph and Hundley offer something different with their defensive abilities.
For me, it is pretty obvious choice who should be making everyday starts, but what do you think Birdland?
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