Three players the Orioles should call up when rosters expand

The 2022 season is heading towards September and now could be time for new contributors for the Baltimore Orioles down the stretch.

A surprising season for Baltimore Orioles was unexpected to Birdland. I didn’t imagine looking at the standings and seeing the O’s only 2.5 games back for Wild Card spot. It’s unbelievable.

MLB rosters will expand from 26 to 28 in September. Esch team will be able to call some names from minors down the road.

The Orioles schedule from September 1st until game 162:

• at Guardians (1 game)
• vs Athletics (3 games)
• vs Blue Jays (4 games)
• vs Red Sox (3 games)
• at Nationals (2 games)
• at Blue Jays (3 games)
• vs Tigers (3 games)
• vs Astros (4 games)
• at Red Sox (4 games)
• at Yankees (3 games)
• vs Blue Jays (3 games)

Even with an balanced schedule, it’ll be time for new blood for Baltimore to help defy the odds and make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Three prospects the Orioles should call upon when rosters expand in September

Let’s take a look on three names who should be on the roster:

Gunnar Henderson

Well… I supose Orioles will be call Gunnar before September 1st. If not, the best prospect from Baseball America deserves a promotion. Even Gunnar won’t take a spot on playoff roster, an experience in a team in a playoff hunt will be nice for the future franchise SS/3B.

In 2016, the last time Baltimore play a playoff game, our old friend Trey Mancini was on the playoff roster. He didn’t play in AL Wild Card Game, but for a new guy in a major league clubhouse and experiencing another envoirnment will be beneficial for him.

In numbers, Gunnar’s slash line is .295/.415./.534, 19 Home Runs, 75 RBI and 97 Runs scored across Double-A and Triple-A.

Alexander Wells

Could be a desperation move? Might be. Since July, Keegan Akin had a batting average against him over .300 and WHIP 1.45+. His ERA numbers increases a lot. In August, before this post release, Akin’s ERA is over 5.

Another lefty to share mid-leverage with Akin, DL Hall (presumably on the team after his obrigatory 15-day stint in minors), and Nick Vespi in bullpen will be helpful. Wells continue his rehab assignment in MiLB.

For curiosity: in all three outings in MLB this year, Wells finished with 3 K’s in all of them and his ERA over 4 in MLB this year, unfortunately, because all runs were happen in his last apperance (2 ER in 3.2 IP overall).

Jacob Nottingham

His numbers on Norfolk might not be ideal, but for a backup catcher he might be useful down the stretch. Robinson Chirinos could be good in the clubhouse and the team could maintain him to help the youngsters. On the field, however, new blood should be considered.

One fun stat about Jacob is stolen bases. It’s uncommon for a catcher to swipe bases, besides JT Realmuto. In AAA, Jacob has 10 SB. Only Richie Martin and Robert Neustrom have more on the team.

Could he a unusual dual-threat? The Orioles could find out next month.