Ranking the Baltimore Orioles rookie debuts so far in 2022
The Baltimore Orioles are barely just past a month of actual baseball, and yet they leave us with a lot to discuss. Most intriguingly, their rookie debuts.
This entire offseason and first month of baseball has been all about call-ups. When will we see Adley? When with GRod make his debut? What about DL Hall? However, swiftly and sternly, the Baltimore Orioles have been calling up minor leaguers in record fashion, and they have been showing up in style.
The majority of the rookie call-ups have been pitchers, but that makes sense as the Baltimore Orioles entire pitching staff started out like a band of misfits trying to make it work. They have, and so have the debuts of some impressive rookies. Here are our Top-5 rookie debuts, so far, for the O’s 2022 campaign.
No.5 – Kyle Bradish
MLB Debut – April 29th, 2002
It almost feels weird to throw KB here, especially after how we view him now as he has solidified himself in the Baltimore Orioles rotation. His MLB debut was solid, but that just goes to show how well the O’s rookies have been, seeing him in the 5th spot. His debut against Boston went rocky, but then settled down as he finished with two Ks, two earned, and pitched 6.0 innings.
Ranking the Baltimore Orioles rookie debuts so far in 2022
No.4 – Felix Bautista
MLB Debut – April 10th, 2022
Felix made his MLB debut on opening weekend when the O’s were in Tampa. Before we knew more about his “stuff”, all we knew was that a giant could throw straight fire. In his debut, he hurled for 1.1 innings, allowing one hit, and striking out two. He has since earned his first save, and has made the bullpen his. King Felix is home, and his debut should’ve let us know just that.
No3. – Logan Gillaspie
MLB Debut – May 17th, 2022
After spending the better part of four seasons in the minors, Logan Gillaspie fulfilled a dream last night. Gillaspie pitched the final two innings in the O’s loss to New York, but he kept the Bronx Bombers at bay, only allowing three hits and getting his first MLB strikeout. As the bullpen keeps moving a changing, it will be interesting to see if he can solidify a spot out there.
No.2 – Denyi Reyes
MLB Debut – May 13th, 2022
Denyi Reyes has given the Baltimore Orioles three surprises. One, his call-up came as surprise, seemingly right before the Tigers game. Two, his almost immediate option back down to Norfolk two days later. Three, his lone pitching masterpiece that came from his MLB debut.
Reyes helped the O’s stay in contention that evening against Detroit, slinging two perfect innings that showcased two massive strikeouts. His recall to the Tides came as a surprise, but there is not doubt that his MLB debut for the Birds was a masterpiece, and cannot be forgotten. Now Reyes will look to come back up, especially after spending the past seven years in the minors.
Ranking the Baltimore Orioles rookie debuts so far in 2022
No.1 – Rylan Bannon
MLB Debut – May 12th, 2022
As the sole position player on this list, Rylan Bannon made it to top with an amazing debut showcasing both offense and defense. After an impressing diving play to rob the Cardinals All-Star third baseman of a hit, he then knocked his first MLB hit past the same. Bannon was key in the Baltimore Orioles defeat over the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2.
Much like Reyes, Bannon’s time with the big club was short lived. After getting the call on the 12th, he was weirdly sent back down five days later on the 17th. Rylan has been grinding it out in the minors for five years now, and has been on fire from the start of Spring Training this year. Although no longer on the Orioles top roster, keep an eye out as the year progresses.
Well, there you have it. Five rookie debuts, five impressive outings, five almost unexpected performances from players we maybe didn’t prepare to see so soon. Now, we leave you with how this article started, and ask where the heck in Adley, and why haven’t we seen GRod yet?