How do Tommy Hunter’s stats look as he sets to take mound for Orioles?

By Olivia Witherite (@oliviawitherite)

Whether or not you want to see Tommy Hunter back on the mound in orange and black, the fact is he’s back. Between the right knee injury to Jason Hammel, which honestly is a huge hurt for the Orioles and their wild card standings, and starter after starter being demoted to Triple-A, Hunter has been brought up after being sent down two times this season.

And truth is… He’s not ready to be back. Granted, the Orioles don’t exactly have a lot of options at their disposal, but still. In his July starts at Norfolk, Hammel gave up nine earned runs in a combined 12 1/3 innings. He also gave up three home runs. Overall this year at Triple-A, he’s 2-1 with a 4.66 ERA.

When not at Triple-A, Hunter hasn’t exactly been lights out in the majors, either. In 15 games, including 13 starts, he’s 3-4 with a 6.11 ERA.

However, maybe this game will be a different story for him. Lifetime, he’s statistically best in July with an 8-2 lifetime record in the month. His 2.97 ERA in the month is more than an entire run lower than any other month. Also, he’s been better against the Twins than many other teams. In four games, including three starts, he’s 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA. Also, he’s only given up one home run to the Twins.

So, how will the righty fare this time versus the not-very-good team that the O’s are making look like the Yankees? We’ll see tonight…

All we can really hope for is an outing long enough to give the taxed bullpen a little relief.