Saturday Bird Droppings: The Orioles will have to start another winning streak

Good morning, Birdland!

For the first time in over a week, the Orioles lost a game. They dropped the regularly scheduled game on Friday against the Nationals by a score of 15-3. But that’s OK, they can start another six-game winning streak today.

Right after the game, both Cody Carroll and Keegan Akin were optioned back to the alternate site. They each had pitched in the loss and neither did well, but the moves could have been more related to the team’s need for fresh arms in the bullpen rather than their poor performance.

In what has become a daily exercise for me at this point, I’m happy to report that the Orioles playoff odds sit at 60.6%, according to Baseball Reference and 21.0%, according to FanGraphs. Those are some pretty beefy numbers and has my fanatic heart all aflutter.

Links

Orioles Select Chandler Shepherd - MLB Trade Rumors
Now it’s starting to feel like an O’s season. The team is cycling through relievers on a daily basis. Chandler Shepherd made his way into five games last year, and was not particularly good. But he likely won’t be asked to start this time around, and that should help him.

Santander proves to be right Rule 5 choice - School of Roch
Anthony Santander is a lot of fun to watch hit. There is some concern that once the extra base hits come back to earth that his value could plummet. He is only walking at a 2.5% rate, but he is also only striking out at a 13.6% rate. Whatever is happening, it’s been pretty cool.

After COVID-19 bout, Bruce Zimmermann is back chasing MLB dream - Steve Melewski
Bruce Zimmermann is a name that would be interesting to see in Baltimore if the organization wants to make a run at the playoffs. He does have Triple-A experience, and he was dominant in Double-A prior to that. If he is showing well at the alternate site, let him get on the Camden Yards mound.

From barn to Baltimore: Akin’s Majors debut - Orioles.com
Although Akin was optioned after the game, he will be back at some point, and will be given a shot to start. The southpaw is not an elite prospect, but he has had a solid minor league career and has earned a a shot at an extended major league audition at some point soon.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday this weekend? Happy birthday!

Chris Singleton turns 48. The former center fielder spent just one season with the Orioles, hitting .262/.296/.410 in 136 games throughout 2002.

It is the 56th birthday of utility infielder Jeff Huson. He bounced around the league for 12 years, but was a member of the Orioles from 1995 to ‘96, appearing in 83 total games.

Finally, happy 62nd birthday to third baseman Tom Dodd. All eight games of his MLB career came with the 1986 O’s.

This day in history

1979 - O’s slugger Eddie Murray catches the White Sox off-guard by stealing home plate in the 12th inning to give the Birds a 2-1 win.

1993 - The Orioles acquire third baseman Mike Pagliarulo in exchange for pitcher Erik Schullstrom.

1996 - A 15-run barrage in the final three innings leads the Orioles to an 18-5 over the Athletics. Baltimore hits five home runs on the day, including two from catcher Chris Hoiles.

2007 - Shelley Duncan’s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth ties the Yankees and Orioles at 3-3. But the O’s are able to score three off of closer Mariano Rivera in the top of the 10th to earn a 6-3 win.