Baltimore Orioles: Three Players Who Failed To Capitalize

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – APRIL 07: Starting pitcher David Hess #41 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to a New York Yankees batter in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 07, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

David Hess had a rough go with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019.

David Hess was supposed to be part of the starting rotation in 2019, someone who could log a large number of innings to help the Orioles get through the season. When he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against Toronto in his first start of the season, it looked like Hess was well on his way to successfully fulfill that role.

With Rule 5 decisions looming and a full offseason for Mike Elias to comb through free agency and the winter waiver wire, David Hess’ spot on the 40-man roster isn’t guaranteed come spring training.

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Hess made 23 appearances with the Orioles (14 starts), going 1-10 with a 7.09 ERA and allowed 28 home runs in 80 innings (3.15/9 IP). He was worth -0.8 fWAR and couldn’t keep his job in the major leagues.

Maybe the Orioles should convert him to a full-time reliever? That didn’t show much promise this season. Out of the pen, Hess posted a 6.57 ERA (7.18 as a starter), gave up four home runs in 12 innings, and opponents hit nearly 50 points higher against him. It may have been just 12 innings, but they weren’t pretty.

Hess has options, but hasn’t shown much in his 180+ major league innings over the last two seasons. If he couldn’t hold down a rotation spot among a group of pitchers which included Chandler Shepherd, Aaron Brooks, and Dan Straily, it’s hard to imagine him making next year’s rotation

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Was there anyone on the roster who you thought would be a contributor in 2019 but turned out to be a dud? Let us know!

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