Baltimore Orioles Minor League Recap: April 18-23

A week to remember on the Baltimore Orioles farm system, with two Players of the Week in their respective leagues (one of them on Minor Week Team on MLB Pipeline) and some promotions across the minor leagues.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series vs Rochester Red Wings (Tides wins 5-1)
Record: 15-5 (1st on International League)

Game 1: ROC 3-5 NOR
Game 2: ROC 5-0 NOR
Game 3: ROC 1-9 NOR
Game 4: ROC 2-3 NOR
Game 5: ROC 2-9 NOR (F/5)
Game 6: ROC 7-17 NOR

What a series by Norfolk! The offense rakes against Rochester, especially the International League Player of the Week: Colton Cowser (9-23, 3 HRs, 6 RBI, 10 R, 1.307 OPS). Alongside him, Josh Lester put a great effort with three Home Runs and Kyle Stowers hit two dingers. Joey Ortiz finished with .429 batting average and Daz Cameron was a little better, with .462 BAA. Connor Norby hits over .300, too. Jordan Westburg is back and hit 5-16 in five games. Infielder Gilbert Lara was promoted from Bowie. Can we dream about a highly regarded infield prospect to Baltimore ASAP?

On the mound, DL Hall made a better outing (5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, HR, HB, 2 BB, 5 K) and continues his preparation to rotation. Drew Rom and Bruce Zimmermann finished with a W, each. Noah Denoyer and Ryan Watson had a scoreless week.

Next series: at Charlotte Knights

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series at Altoona Curve (Curve wins 4-1)
Record: 5-9 (11th on Eastern League)

Game 1: BOW 1-6 ALT
Game 2: BOW 9-3 ALT
Game 3: BOW 1-2 ALT
Game 4: BOW 1-8 ALT
Game 5: Postponed (makeup on May 21st)
Game 6: BOW 4-5 ALT

With some exceptions, Bowie had a tough week. On the mound, only Justin Armbruester from starters didn't allowed a run (5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K). Chayce McDermott allowed two runs (one earned) in 4.1 innings and Cade Povich had a shaky outing (5 ER, 2 BB and 7 K on 4.1 IP).

The bats were mostly quiet, save for Cesar Prieto (9-19, 2 BB, 0 K), Zach Watson (8-20, HR, 6 RBI, SB, 1.029 OPS) and Coby Mayo (5-17, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 1.135 OPS). On defense, Donta' Williams appeared on Sportscenter's top 10 with this defensive play. Infielder Anthony Servideo was promoted from Delmarva to Bowie to replace Gilbert Lara.

Next series: vs Richmond Flying Squirrels

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series vs Jersey Shore Blue Claws (Blue Claws wins 4-1)
Record: 5-9 (T-9th in South Atlantic League)

Game 1: JS 8-9 ABD
Game 2: JS 9-5 ABD
Game 3: JS 6-3 ABD
Game 4: JS 4-3 ABD
Game 5: Postponed (makeup on May 24th)
Game 6: JS 8-5 ABD

Even with a not great outing on the mound, Jean Pinto continued his strong season (4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K). Trace Bright, a early surprise, didn't throw an inning in his worst performance in 2023 (0.2 IP, 27.00 ERA).

The offense had some good performances by Max Wagner (5-19, HR, 4 SB), Ryan Higgins (3-10, 2 HR, 5 RBI) and Reed Trimble (5-17, 3 SB). This group needed a spark, and he's coming: Jackson Holliday will debut in High-A this week.

Next series: at Wilmington Blue Rocks

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series at Frederisckburg Nationals (Shorebirds wins 4-1)
Record: 8-6 (T-2nd in Carolina League)

Game 1: DEL 11-6 FBG
Game 2: DEL 7-4 FBG
Game 3: DEL 6-12 FBG
Game 4: DEL 16-4 FBG
Game 5: DEL 2-1 FBG (Suspended: to be completed on May 30th)
Game 6: DEL 8-5 FBG

If you counted the MLB games, Baltimore had a 6-1 campaign against the Washington Nationals. Jokes aside, what a performance by Jackson Holliday in his final Low-A week (POTW - 9-20, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, 6 BB, 7 SO, SB, 1.377 OPS). This guy deserved his promotion to play with his peers from last draft. Another excellent week by Samuel Basallo, too (8-21, HR, 10 RBI, 1.149 OPS).

On the mound, Moises Chace had a strong performance with 7 K's in 4.0 innings from relief. The starters continue his roller-coaster with good numbers on strikeouts but so many runs allowed. The offense saves again.

Next series: vs Salem Red Sox