Baltimore Orioles vs Chicago White Sox: 3 players to watch

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 06: Joey Rickard /

Joey Rickard, OF

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The Orioles outfield is full of big names. Left fielder Trey Mancini finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting last season. Center fielder Adam Jones is a Baltimore icon. Mark Trumbo, who hit 47 home runs in 2016, can also step in if need be.

That being said, you might be surprised to learn that the Birds’ most productive outfielder has been Joey Rickard, a former ninth-round pick who had 559 MLB plate appearances to his name before this season. In a minute sample size of six games, the Las Vegas native is slashing .333/.417/.667 with a pair of home runs, a line that makes him look more like Bryce Harper than an organizational soldier.

Just look at this majestic blast he hit off of Tampa Bay’s Andrew Kittredge:

All that production, along with the demotion of Anthony Santander, has earned Rickard a regular spot in the lineup. He played three out of four games against the Red Sox and fared well enough, going 3-for-11 with a double.

Even the most demoralizing rebuilding seasons have their bright spots. It’s time for Rickard to show that he really is a revelation — otherwise, it’s just another case of the Orioles striking fool’s gold.

Next: The top 5 strikeout pitchers in Orioles history

How many games will the Orioles take from the White Sox this week? Let us know on social media, and keep it here at Birds Watcher for more updates on the Baltimore Orioles.

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