Despite losing the final two games of their four-game set against the Chicago White Sox, there are plenty of good signs in Birdland. Their improved outfield depth is one of those signs. Press play or read below for more.
The Orioles dropped their final two games against the Chicago White Sox, splitting a four game series that featured a lot of offense on both sides. The Orioles now hold a 14-10 record, tied with the Boston Red Sox for first place in the American League East. The series against Chicago was the first in a stretch of 20 games, 17 of which will be played at Camden Yards. The Orioles, who now have a 9-3 record in Birdland, will need to continue playing well at home and begin to separate themselves from the rest of the division. Now would be as good a time as any to get hot.
Joey Rickard did not start on Saturday night for the first time all season, though he entered later as a defensive replacement and saw one at bat. Rickard, who has seen the majority of his time in the leadoff role, has scuffled a bit recently, going 6 for 37 in his last 10 games. Nolan Reimold has seen more playing time and has made a case for himself to stay in the lineup, homering on Friday night and knocking in a run with a single on Sunday. Reimold has played 10 games this season and has 5 multi-hit efforts. Also in the outfield, Hyun Soo Kim has been hitting much better than he did in the spring, and now has nine hits in 15 at bats after getting three more hits on Saturday, including his first extra base hit.
For a team with a recent history of lacking outfield depth, having multiple players contribute is a great problem to have and bodes well going forward, especially if we see Adam Jones miss more time. Although he has looked good this week, I feel like he may still be playing through some pain following his rib injury. We can only hope that Jones avoids aggravating the injury and missing significant time.
