Nestled amidst the chaos surrounding the July 30 draft deadline, which saw a forceful roster turnover akin to a tsunami, was the Orioles’ choice to bring back Triple-A Norfolk catcher Blake Hunt. He traveled to Baltimore from Charlotte in case backup James McCann was placed on the 10-day injured list. And there was hardly any reaction to the news.
But given that McCann had multiple nasal fractures from a fastball to his face—a horrifying incident that typically results in a player being taken off the active roster and placed in a hospital bed—it was a smart move.
McCann is not like other players. When he bats, he dons a mask for protection. His career begins behind the plate. Additionally, Hunt, who was optioned the next day, gets to continue on the taxi squad, which David Bañuelos has typically filled this season.
Following Sunday’s game at Progressive Field, the club boarded its charter to Toronto, but McCann took a Southwest trip back to Baltimore to get more medical attention for his broken nose. According to industry sources who have firsthand knowledge of his seating arrangements, he favors the exit row.
Tim Cossins, the major league field coordinator, instructs catchers for the Orioles. He was an independent ball player, a minor league player for three organizations, and a player for the University of Oklahoma. He understands the punishment the body endures, such as the foul ball on Sunday that hit Adley Rutschman in the crotch area and made the whole ballpark wince.
Cossins is still in awe of McCann for persevering in the game despite being hit, with cotton gauze packed in both nostrils and his left eye nearly closed and discolored.
Cossins stated, “He immediately shot to the top of the list of things that I’ve seen.” “Some guys have been hurt before, but to witness him go through it live, get bruised, blood all over the place, show selflessness, and know that he wants to continue playing, and to be able to accomplish that…
Furthermore, and this is just nerdy talk, I don’t think people realize this, but he received a high score that night—a plus-five. It was very striking.
Rutschman, McCann, and Cossins are helping pitchers acquired at or near the deadline—starters Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers, relievers Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto—to establish relationships. It’s a procedure that often takes place during spring training, and the team with one of the finest records in baseball seems to have a special number.
According to Cossins, “I think it’s gone really well.” “Working with new guys is very difficult, especially when the first time you catch them is in a game, and especially when it’s big stuff. Adley and I were just looking at video before I came out here.” It’s also a difficult task to attempt to settle into a groove with a pitcher, control the situation, receive and block well, and move through the innings.
That’s what these men are doing. They accept it well. They’re performing admirably.
Before Rutschman’s left-hander made his Orioles debut in Cleveland on Thursday, he had a few hours to spend getting to know Rogers. At Rogers Centre on Wednesday, Rogers will play the Blue Jays.
Regarding the hurried first meeting, Cossins stated, “I think what offsets that is your ability to go look at video and pull video and watch successful starts and starts that maybe have not gone as well.” Look for strategies that he is using, strategies you believe he will use in this game, and so on. That, in my opinion, shortens it. Conversations are, of course, the equalizer.
* When the Blue Jays released their game notes on Sunday, they omitted a list of their starters. Chris Bassitt, a right-hander, is scheduled to play tonight.
Grayson Rodriguez comes back for the Orioles.
In four innings during his most recent start, which took place last Tuesday against the Orioles, Bassitt gave up five runs and nine hits. Ramón Urías scored an RBI.
Bassitt has faced the Orioles seven times in his career, recording a 5.45 ERA and 1.462 WHIP.
Since joining the Orioles, Eloy Jiménez is 5-for-11 against Bassitt and 5-for-9 with a double. Who would depart the lineup if he were to stay in it?
Against Bassitt, Ryan O’Hearn is 5-for-9 with a home run. With two home runs and five RBIs, Gunnar Henderson is hitting 4-for-7. Anthony Santander is 3-for-10 with two doubles, while Rutschman is 3-for-9 with two.
If you are concerned about such things, Rodriguez’s 13 victories are tied for the most in the majors with Seth Lugo and Chris Sale. The final Orioles 20-game winner was Mike Boddicker in 1984.
This season, Rodriguez has made two starts versus the Jays and is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA. On June 3, he made a pitching appearance at Toronto and gave up one earned run in six and a third innings.
Against Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 5-for-14 with a double and a home run, and George Springer is 6-for-14 with a double and a home run. In his two at-bats, Addison Barger has smacked a double and a home run.
* On Saturday in Cleveland, O’Hearn scored runs with a pinch-hit double and added an RBI double in the first inning the following day.
If it appears that O’Hearn hasn’t hit a home run in a long time, that’s because he has only hit two since June 26 and the last one was on July 20. However, he never stops exploring methods to help the offensive.
I mention O’Hearn’s home runs primarily to let you know that, according to STATS, he has hit 12 this season off of four fastballs, four breaking balls, and four off-speed pitches. You have to notice the symmetry.
* Ryan Mountcastle enjoys playing against the Blue Jays, but in 10 games this season, he’s only slashing.220/.273/.488 (9-for-41). He does, however, have nine RBIs, three home runs, and a triple.
At Rogers Centre, two of the home runs were struck.
Mountcastle has a profession.with 62 games played, a.311/.374/.597 hitter with 12 doubles, a triple, 18 home runs, and 52 RBIs against the Jays. He’s cut.In 26 games at Rogers Centre, he batted 303/.366/.616 (30-for-99) with seven doubles, eight home runs, and 26 RBIs.
Do you recall the time the Jays’ home games were held at Buffalo’s Sahlen Field because of the pandemic-related limitations on travel to Toronto? In 11 games, Mountcastle hit 14 for 41 (.342) with three home runs and six RBIs.
* I’m done for now. It’s no surprise that I’m joining the team in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Leave a Reply