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The Baltimore Orioles feared they might be losing infielder Coby Mayo to the injured list after he was scratched from Sunday’s lineup with lower back tightness. Although Mayo has not performed well this season, Baltimore has dealt with as many injuries as any team in MLB, and it is impossible to ignore how much that has impacted their year. Baltimore owns a 24-30 record after nearly two months of play.
The Orioles have been forced to lean heavily on depth pieces, and losing another option would only make it more difficult to turn their season around.
Fortunately for Baltimore, that may not be the case. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz spoke with reporters ahead of Monday’s series opener against the American League East leading Tampa Bay Rays and provided a positive update on Mayo’s status.
“Orioles’ Coby Mayo (low back discomfort) has improved since yesterday, Craig Albernaz says. He doesn’t believe Mayo will need an IL stint, though he’s out of the lineup today,” reported Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun.
Mayo was notably absent from the lineup for Monday’s opener, which initially raised concern, but it appears the issue is not expected to linger. The Orioles narrowly defeated Tampa Bay 9-7 in 13 innings, yet Mayo did not appear even in the late stages of the game, signaling he may need at least one more day before returning. His next chance to rejoin the lineup will come Tuesday.
Through 43 games this season, the 24-year-old is hitting .186 with a .259 on-base percentage, .592 OPS, five home runs and 18 RBIs. It has not been the type of production Baltimore hoped for out of the former fourth-round pick.
This is his third MLB season, but he has played only 145 total games, so there is still time for development. Even so, he is running out of chances to establish himself as an everyday player.
This year presented a prime opportunity for Mayo to seize the third base job with Jordan Westburg out for the season. Instead, his struggles have continued, and it appears that regardless of the injury, Baltimore is already exploring alternatives.
Jackson Holliday has begun taking reps at third base, a clear sign the organization is preparing for other options if Mayo cannot turn things around.
For now, the Orioles will hope Mayo’s back issue remains minor, because even with his struggles, they cannot afford to lose more position players as they try to stay alive in a competitive division.
Continue reading...
The Orioles have been forced to lean heavily on depth pieces, and losing another option would only make it more difficult to turn their season around.
Fortunately for Baltimore, that may not be the case. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz spoke with reporters ahead of Monday’s series opener against the American League East leading Tampa Bay Rays and provided a positive update on Mayo’s status.
“Orioles’ Coby Mayo (low back discomfort) has improved since yesterday, Craig Albernaz says. He doesn’t believe Mayo will need an IL stint, though he’s out of the lineup today,” reported Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun.
Mayo was notably absent from the lineup for Monday’s opener, which initially raised concern, but it appears the issue is not expected to linger. The Orioles narrowly defeated Tampa Bay 9-7 in 13 innings, yet Mayo did not appear even in the late stages of the game, signaling he may need at least one more day before returning. His next chance to rejoin the lineup will come Tuesday.
Through 43 games this season, the 24-year-old is hitting .186 with a .259 on-base percentage, .592 OPS, five home runs and 18 RBIs. It has not been the type of production Baltimore hoped for out of the former fourth-round pick.
This is his third MLB season, but he has played only 145 total games, so there is still time for development. Even so, he is running out of chances to establish himself as an everyday player.
This year presented a prime opportunity for Mayo to seize the third base job with Jordan Westburg out for the season. Instead, his struggles have continued, and it appears that regardless of the injury, Baltimore is already exploring alternatives.
Jackson Holliday has begun taking reps at third base, a clear sign the organization is preparing for other options if Mayo cannot turn things around.
For now, the Orioles will hope Mayo’s back issue remains minor, because even with his struggles, they cannot afford to lose more position players as they try to stay alive in a competitive division.
Continue reading...
