Orioles Baby Birds Weekly Prospect Recap (August 9-15)

A lot of promotions and an Orioles MLB debut from one of most valuable prospects over the weekend. Let’s go to another recap.

AAA – Norfolk Tides (3-3 at Rochester Red Wings)

MVP: 3B Jordan Westburg (7-23, 2 HR, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 5 R, 1.100 OPS)

Mike Elias was there at a Tides game. Seriously. On Thursday, our friends from BSL on the Verge announced on Twitter. The next day, DL Hall was promoted to the Orioles and started the second game at the Trop against the Rays. He played and then was demoted to Norfolk after the game. The plan: transition to the bullpen and he’ll be back for a relief role down the stretch.

On the field, the offense was pretty good. Four players finished with seven total hits: Yusniel Diaz and ‘soon-to-be-promoted’ Gunnar Henderson and Kyle Stowers. The pitching side was headlined by Logan Gillaspie, now with the O’s (no runs in three innings). Yesterday, Bowie announced the promotions of Drew Rom and Ryan Watson to AAA. Keep rollin’, guys!

Veteran to watch: OF/1B DJ Stewart (5-17, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, .980 OPS)

Our old friend played first base and had a 4-hit performance on Sunday with two homers. Will he be back soon?

Next series: vs Durham Bulls

Baltimore Orioles: Baby Birds Weekly Recap

AA – Bowie Baysox (2-5 at Altoona Curve)

MVP: IF Cesar Prieto (9-24, HR, 2B, 4 RBI, 2 R. .942 OPS)

An uncommon week for the Red Hot Baysox, who hadn’t lost a series since June. It was a good performance from players like Prieto, Connor Norby and Hudson Haskin (both with six hits). For the Orioles’ Minor League Player of the Month in July, Joey Ortiz, along with Colton Cowser, they combined for 7 hits and 11 (!) walks.

The pitching staff had solid performances by Justin Armbruester (6.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 K) and Alexander Wells (2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 K – rehab assignment). Drew Rom led Bowie pitchers with 12 strikeouts in two games.

Unranked to watch: RHP Garrett Stallings (Orioles’ Minor League Pitcher of the Month)

The righty continued his good run of performances. Last week, he threw six innings and allowed only one run (six strikeouts).

Next Series: vs Somerset Patriots

High-A – Aberdeen IronBirds (3-3 at Hudson Valley Renegades)

MVP: RHP Cade Povich (6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K, .158 BAA)

The headline from the Jorge Lopez trade made his last IronBirds’ appearance with another dominating performance. Povich and Chayce McDermott were promoted to Bowie to replace Rom and Watson. Another pitcher who shown brightly was Jean Pinto (3.0 IP, BB, 2 K). In an up-and-down season, every good outing is welcome.

The offense was similar to Bowie. Billy Cook was great (7-20, 2 HR, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB, 1.150 OPS), alongside Trendon Craig (.294 BAA) and Connor Pavolony (2B, 3B, 3 RBI). They have a newcomer for the remainder of the season: the speed demon, Luis Valdez.

Next series: vs Asheville Tourists

Low-A – Delmarva Shorebirds (3-3 vs Carolina Mudcats)

MVPs: IF Frederick Bencosme (7-18, 2 2B, RBI, R, 1.022 OPS) and RHP Juan de Los Santos (4.0 IP, H, BB, 4 K)

This series was the last without the reinforcements from 2022 Draft class. Delmarva announces 10 new players, included three from Day 1: Dylan Beavers, Max Wagner and Jud Fabian. The tallest pitcher, Jared Beck, is in the mix. Jackson Holliday will remain in the FCL, but don’t be surprised if the Orioles promote him to play some games in Low-A.

On the field, the offense had some good performances by Isaac De Leon (four extra-base hits), Creed Willems (.891 OPS) and Noelberth Romero (5-19). Luis Valdez and Stiven Acevedo stole three bases each.

Unranked to watch: RHP Yaqui Rivera (5.0 IP, 6 K)

The 19-year-old acquired in the Cole Sulser–Tanner Scott deal from Miami threw five innings for the first time this season. He had 12 punchouts in August with a 1.13 ERA.

Next series: at Salem Red Sox