Orioles Weekly Wrap: April 29th - May 5th

Results

The O's went 3-2 this week. They swept a doubleheader against Pittsburgh and won the opener against the Twins, but then they dropped the remaining two games in the series. Their run differential for the week was an even 0.

Standings

Amazingly, the O's are tied for first place in the AL East with the Yankees.

Best Hitter / Worst Hitter

You probably guessed that Nelson Cruz was this week's best hitter ... if you did, you were right! He had a 176 wRC+ (.333/.333/.667). You might not have guessed that Nick Markakis also had a 176 wRC+ this week (.333/.364/.667).

We're all happy that Manny Machado is back, but he had a miserable -13 wRC+ to start his return (.176/.176/.176). Sigh of relief for Adam Jones, who had an 8 wRC+ (.190/.190/.238).

Best Pitcher / Worst Pitcher

Ubaldo Jimenez hopes the rest of his year goes like his line against the Twins: 7.1 IP, 10 K, BB, 0 R, 0 ER. 75% of balls in play against him were grounders. This is the Jimenez the team and fans hoped for.

No one had a terrible pitching performance this week. So I will pick on Evan Meek, who was sent to the minors after his latest failure to get batters out. In an inning pitched he struck out one but walked two and gave up a hit, allowing an earned run.

Clutch PA of the Week

It's hard to get more clutch than when Matt Wieters hit a walk-off jack against Stolmy Pimentel of the Pirates. The shot broke a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the 10th inning during the second game of a doubleheader.

Team Steve!

Steve Clevenger had one hit and a walk in eight PA, but the one hit was a double and he scored both times he was on base. Steve Pearce returned to the Orioles from DFA-land as the regular first baseman. In 20 PA he collected three singles and a double but struck out seven times. Steve Lombardozzi was optioned to AAA when Machado returned.

Upcoming Week

The Orioles resume play against the Rays in St. Petersburg then return home to host the Astros and Tigers.

Your Moment of Zen