Baltimore Orioles: What’s next for RHP prospect Pedro Araujo?

2017 Rule 5 Draft pick Pedro Araujo must remain on the Baltimore Orioles active roster for 14 days in 2019. What is in store for him after he meets that requirement?

Baltimore Orioles prospect Pedro Araujo recently completed a winter season with the Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Winter League. He pitched 9.2 innings over 8 appearances and produced a 2-1 record with a 2.79 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and he struck out 14 (13 K/9) while allowing just two walks during that span.

Although it was a small sample size, Araujo’s performance is significant due to the fact that he was placed on the disabled list on June 11th, and moved to the 60-day disabled list on September 11th, due to an injury to his right (throwing) elbow.

He also received a platelet-rich plasma injection in that elbow to help promote the healing process. A solid winter in the Dominican Republic would indicate that Araujo’s right elbow is healthy.

Araujo was one of three players selected in the 2017 Rule-5 Draft (Nestor Cortes Jr and Jose Mesa Jr were the others) by the Baltimore Orioles, and was the only one who remained with the team in 2018. He came to Baltimore from the Chicago Cubs organization and prior to making the Orioles’ 25-man roster had only pitched in one game above High-A.

His time with the Orioles was rocky, to say the least. In 20 appearances with the Orioles over a span of 28.0 innings, Araujo produced a 1-3 record with a 7.71 ERA and 1.679 WHIP. He did however, strike out 29 batters (9.3 K/9) while walking 18; he gave up 9 home-runs as well.

Simply put, Araujo could not keep the ball in or around the strike zone with nearly enough frequency to be effective.

In order to fulfill the Rule-5 requirements, Araujo must remain on the 25-man roster for at least 14 more days; after he reaches that milestone, he can be sent to the minor leagues.

Keep in mind that Araujo was acquired by former General Manager Dan Duquette; Mike Elias has absolutely no ties to the young man.

I think that Spring Training will go a long way in determining his place in the organization. One of two things will happen: he will either break camp with the team and head to Baltimore to meet his service time or Elias will decide to offer Araujo back to the Cubs.

I see the power right hander making the trip to Baltimore to start the 2019 season and once he has met the Rule-5 requirements a decision will have to be made.

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That decision, as I see it, will be to option Araujo to Bowie (AA) where he will continue his development as a member of the Baysox bullpen.

There he will be able to get his innings in and learn to pitch in situations without the intense pressure that comes in the Major Leagues. He can work on his command and hopefully improve it.

I suppose that there is an outside chance that his performance will lead to a move to Norfolk (AAA) where he will be available to help the Orioles during the season.

I think this scenario is less likely than the assignment to the Eastern League.

Araujo has a lively arm and produces strikeouts; he just needs to improve his command and consistency. He is a player I would like to see stay in the Baltimore organization. Hopefully Elias, Brandon Hyde and Sig Mejdal feel the same.