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Baltimore Orioles: Who is joining the team with September call-ups?

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 31: Members of the Baltimore Orioles look on during the ninth inning of their 11-8 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 31: Members of the Baltimore Orioles look on during the ninth inning of their 11-8 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – JULY 30: Pedro Alvarez
TORONTO, CANADA – JULY 30: Pedro Alvarez /

At one time, Pedro Alvarez was a force as an All-Star short stop with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Unfortunately, life got in the way and his defense began to falter. He was given his walking papers when he reached free agency and the Orioles signed him in 2016. The guy can clearly still hit, but his defensive work continues to be poor. So, the Orioles signed him to a minor league contract where he only has to hit.

With the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Alvarez hit 26 home runs and 89 RBIs. Unfortunately, he did strike out 137 times.

He will be playing with Orioles and is listed on the roster as an infielder. If he does see time in a game, it will most likely be at first base or as the designated hitter. With Mark Trumbo not hitting like he did in 2016, Alvarez could see time as the designed hitter. And, with Chris Davis batting .228, maybe Alvarez could see time at first.

Even though Alvarez has a minor league contract with the Orioles, being called back up could be a big opportunity for him. Big hitters like Alvarez are still desirable and he could treat his time like a tryout to revive his career.

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