Baltimore Orioles: Losing Streak Began When Jose Iglesias Entered IL

On August 15, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Nationals by a score of 7-3.

On August 16, the Baltimore Orioles began a a six-game losing streak that included a sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays.

Interestingly, August 15 was the last day that Jose Iglesias played before going on the IL. In that game, Iglesias went 3-5 with a double and a run scored. At the time, he was a four-game hitting streak that included two games with two or more hits.

Even though the Orioles still have Chris Davis, Iglesias seemed to quickly become the veteran leader of the team. We all know about Davis’s struggles at the plate over the years, and they have continued into 2020. But, Iglesias began the 2020 season on a high note with the O’s and has continued his consistency both at the plate and on defense.

While resting his quad on the IL, Iglesias has a .400/.414/.564 slash. And, the four-game hit streak happened despite the quad pain that put him on the IL. It’s exciting to think of what he will do when he is at 100%.

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The team has not yet announced when he will return. But, 10 days puts his expected return at Wednesday, August 26. The Birds have the day off on Monday and travel to Buffalo to play the Blue Jays. Hopefully, the Orioles can reverse the losing trend against the Jays, especially if Iglesias returns with his consistently hot bat.

With the number losses coinciding with Iglesias’s departure, it is clear the Orioles need his bat back. Even with Anthony Santander‘s 17-game hit streak, and home runs from Pat Valaika and other teammates, having a veteran presence does matter.

Yes, each teams fields nine players, but one man can make a difference. Iglesias seems to be a difference-maker for the Orioles in 2020. With the Orioles unable to get a winning streak going while he is away, his return cannot come soon enough.

Hopefully, the Orioles can follow up their Saturday-night win against the Red Sox with another on Sunday afternoon. Wade LeBlanc will be the most veteran player on the team Sunday afternoon, but he won’t swing a bat.