Matt Wieters still seeking first base hit of spring training

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles lost to the Blue Jays today by a score of 5-2. While the positives of the game were both Darren O’Day and Zach Britton having good days on the mound, the negatives included Matt Wieters‘ day at the plate.

The Orioles’ catcher came into the game with 17 plate appearances and still without a base hit to call his own.

Despite recovering nicely from Tommy John Surgery, Wieters has yet to catch a game this spring training (not including the intrasquad game). In all the exhibition games Wieters has played in, he has been the designated hitter so to get more at-bats.

Unfortunately, Wieters bat speed is somewhat lacking. Today was no exception. In his first at-bat, Wieters lined out to left field and, in his second at-bat, Wieters struck out swinging on three straight pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning.

In his last at-bat of the day, Wieters grounded out into double play. Fortunately, David Lough scored from third base on the play.

Despite having to cut his 2014 season short, Wieters did bat .308/.339/.500 with five doubles, five home runs and 18 RBIs before he was forced to undergo season-ending surgery.

His impressive batting numbers to start the 2014 campaign even earned him his third All-Star Game appearance. Looking ahead to the 2015 season, Wieters’ batting numbers are going to have to just as good as last year. His success at the plate is vital to the Orioles’ success.