Wednesday Bird Droppings: Wrapping up a quick road trip

Good morning Birdland,

Last night was one of those frustrating losses that the Orioles still experience a bit too often. John Means was spectacular, holding the Mets scoreless for six innings. But the offense could only squeeze across two runs, and the bullpen was off its game. It was a bummer.

Of course, there are always positives to take away. Means is obvious, but it really cannot be overstated just how good he has been. The 28-year-old lefty is dominating opposing lineups and has been since the tail-end of last year, when he allowed just four runs over his final four starts and 23.2 innings of the season.

But let’s also give some praise to Freddy Galvis. He got two more hits last night, and this is after the shortstop was the subject of much ire from Orioles fans in the season’s first couple of weeks. Now he is batting .284 with an .824 OPS and hitting fifth in Brandon Hyde’s lineup. These may not be José Iglesias numbers from 2020, but they are pretty darn good for a guy that owns a career .248/.293/.388 slash line.

The O’s play an odd 12:10 game against the Mets later today as they wrap up an ultra-mini road trip at Citi Field. Matt Harvey returns to his old stomping grounds as a re-made pitcher. He is opposed by a pitcher who has similarly refound his glory in Taijuan Walker.

Links & Notes

On his return to Citi Field with Orioles, former Mets star Matt Harvey embraces being a different pitcher | The Baltimore Sun
Harvey has been such a pleasant surprise through the first month or so of this season. He may no longer have the triple digit velocity, but he seems to keep the Orioles competitive in every game he pitches. Hopefully he can do the same (or better) against his former team today.

Orioles’ Mike Baumann: Completes sim game | CBS Sports
This is a great news! Baumann is one of those names that should be in discussions to start games at Camden Yards later this year. Elbow discomfort held him back in the pre-season, but now he is ready to make a few rehab starts in the lower minors before returning to Triple A Norfolk.

Stat of the Day: Following up the no-no | Orioles.com
This John Means guy might be pretty good. But also it sucked that he was pulled from last night’s game after just 74 pitches because the National League wants non-hitters to hit.

Braves Claim Jay Flaa | MLB Trade Rumors
Flaa had been DFA’ed by the Orioles over the weekend in order for the Orioles to make room for Brandon Waddell on their 40-man roster. The 29-year-old will now head to the Braves, where he brings three minor league options and fringy big league stuff, allowing for some roster flexibility. Good luck, Jay!

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Evan Meek turns 38 today. The right-handed pitcher appeared in 23 games for the 2014 Orioles, allowing 15 earned runs over 23.1 innings.
• Kevin Bass celebrates his 62nd birthday. His one season with the Orioles came in 1995, when the outfielder hit .244/.303/.336 over 111 games.
• Joe Nolan is 70 years old today. He spent four seasons as an O’s catcher from 1982 through 1985 and served as Rick Dempsey’s back-up during the club’s World Series-winning campaign in 1983.

Orioles history

2000 - Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez strikes out 15 Orioles. Paired with the 17 Devil Rays he K’ed the week before, Martinez sets an American League record for the most strikeouts over two consecutive games.