Orioles Weekly Prospect Review (Aug 29-Sep 5)

The minor league season nears its end with as several Orioles affiliates make their final push for the playoffs. Let’s recap!

AAA: Norfolk Tides (5-1 vs Lehigh Valley IronPigs)

MVP: SS Joey Ortiz (10-25, HR, 3B, 2 2B, 6 RBI, 5 R, 3 SB, 1.124 OPS)

After the promotion of Gunnar Henderson to the majors, Joey Ortiz stepped up and had ridiculous numbers in his first week in AAA. The other highly touted prospect, Colton Cowser, hit his first HR in Norfolk but had a quiet performance (3-23). Jordan Westburg lead the team in RBI (9).

The pitching staff was brilliant. Mike Baumann, who started his first MLB game yesterday, had an excellent performance with 13 strikeouts in 6 innings! Bruce Zimmermann followed him with 8 Ks in 7.2 IP and Matt ‘Dark Knight’ Harvey contributed with 7 punchouts in six innings.

Unranked to watch: RHP Yennier Cano

Six strikeouts in six innings (two games) and a save. He had a brief MLB stint with the Twins, so don’t be surprised if he appears in a MLB game for Baltimore.

Next series: at Memphis RedBirds

AA: Bowie Baysox (3-3 at Erie Seawolves)

MVP: 2B Connor Norby (6-19, 3 HR, 3B, 5 RBI, 5 R, 1.276 OPS)

We see you, Connor Norby! Norby has unlocked his power in 2022 hitting 23 home runs between Aberdeen and Bowie. In Baltimore, he would have more HR than everyone not named Anthony Santander. Coby Mayo lead the team in hits (9) and runs scored (7). An unusual week, because Mayo his known for his strength.

Baltimore Orioles – Baby Birds Weekly Recap

On the mound, good outings by Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott. Both pitchers finished with the same number of strikeouts (6), hits (3) and home runs allowed (1). Povich threw one more inning than McDermott. Brennan Hanifee pitched two solid games (8.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 7 K in total).

After the series, Bowie and Erie are still tied in first place in the Southwest Division (second half standings) with 12 games remaining.

Unrankeds to watch: C Cody Roberts and 3B Toby Welk

Fourteen hits (8 XBH), 7 RBI and 11 runs combined. Great to see.

Next series: vs Richmond Flying Squirrels

High-A: Aberdeen IronBirds (3-3 vs Hickory Crawdads)

MVP: RHP Grayson Rodriguez and Tyler Wells (welcome back!)

It was not a highlight week for any individual performers in Aberdeen, though they did get rehab starts from two pitchers who Birdland are waiting to see in an Orioles uniform before the season’s end. Grayson Rodriguez made his first rehab game on Thursday. Next day was Tyler Wells’s turn. GrayRod will make another outing in Bowie this week. For Wells, the question is: back to starting rotation or go to bullpen down the stretch?

Aberdeen will play the last six games before High-A playoffs. The newcomer, Jud Fabian, will have one more week to adjust himself (1-7).

Next series: at Jersey Shore Blue Claws

Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds (1-5 at Fredericksburg Nationals)

MVP: OF Dylan Beavers (9-24, 4 2B, 5 RBI, 2 R, 3 SB, .965 OPS)

It’s a countdown for Delmarva. The last opportunity to see the Orioles future stars in 2022. The Shorebirds won’t make the playoffs, but they will finish their season at home and with a lot of exciment with players like Beavers, Jackson Holliday (4-18, 5 BB, 4 K), Carter Young (3-22, HR, 5 RBI), Max Wagner (4-18, HR) and an emerging Creed Willems (3-9, .889 OPS).

Certainly, some of these players won’t be on Shorebirds next year. Don’t miss that chance.

Next series: vs Down East Wood Ducks