Baltimore Orioles minor league recap: August 8-14

The 2023 first round pick arrived in Delmarva. Let's recap another week in the minors

Baltimore Orioles minor league recap: August 8-14

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimps (Shrimps wins 5-1)
Second half record: 21-18

Game 1: NOR 2-11 JAX
Game 2: NOR 2-3 JAX
Game 3: NOR 1-5 JAX
Game 4: NOR 2-6 JAX
Game 5: NOR 0-8 JAX
Game 6: NOR 13-7 JAX

Chayce McDermott with another solid outing, again (5.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 6 K). Could he get a promotion before the season ends? The veterans performed well with Austin Voth (5.0 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 11 K in two games) and T.J. McFarland (3.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K in two games). DL Hall continued to be a strikeout machine (6 K's). The downside was Garrett Stallings with an astonishing 13 earned runs in eight innings pitched.

In the batter's box, the new top 25 prospect Coby Mayo continues to rake in 2023 (1.076 OPS). Heston Kjerstad and Joey Ortiz led the team in hits (7). Connor Norby had a nice week (6-21, 2 2B, 5 R, SB). Colton Cowser will be back. We'll hope for a brief stint to rediscover his groove before October baseball. It worked with Grayson.

Next series: at Memphis Redbirds

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series at Richmond Flying Squirrels (Baysox wins 4-2)
Second half record: 21-18

Game 1: BOW 2-10 RIC
Game 2: BOW 4-3 RIC
Game 3: BOW 1-5 RIC
Game 4: BOW 9-7 RIC
Game 5: BOW 5-2 RIC
Game 6: BOW 5-3 RIC (F/10)

Dylan Beavers was the player of the month of July per Orioles Player Development. But this week, Jud Fabian took over (5-15, 2 HR, 1.177 OPS). A guy name Jackson Holliday reminded us why he is the best prospect in baseball (9-26, 3B, 2B, 5 RBI, 7 R, SB) and his brother got some attention from the media. Unfortunately, the Orioles likely won't choose him in his draft year.

For the pitchers, Alex Pham worked a lot (10.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, HR, 2 BB, 7 K in two games). Kyle Brnovich played a rehab game (4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, HR, 6 K). About rehab, John Means appeared in his first game after Tommy John surgery in a short outing (2.0 IP, H, 2 K). He'll play on Tuesday and his return to the majors is scheduled for early September.

Next series: vs Altoona Curve

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series at Brooklyn Cyclones (Cyclones wins 4-2)
Second half record: 19-22

Game 1: ABD 2-3 BRK
Game 2: ABD 3-5 BRK
Game 3: ABD 4-0 BRK
Game 4: ABD 0-5 BRK
Game 5: ABD 8-3 BRK
Game 6: ABD 0-6 BRK

Don't sleep on Kyle Virbitsky. The acquisition from the Cole Irvin trade continued to impress (5.0 IP, 3 H, BB, 5 K). He deserve a call to Bowie. Dylan Heid didn't allow a run in three innings. Trace Bright continue to punch out hitters (9). The offense was a one-man show, led by Samuel Basallo (7-20, HR, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R, SB, 1.009 OPS).

Next series: vs Wilmington Blue Rocks

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series at Carolina MudCats (Cats wins 4-2)
Second half record: 17-24

Game 1: DEL 1-6 CAR
Game 2: DEL 4-6 CAR
Game 3: DEL 3-12 CAR
Game 4: DEL 7-1 CAR
Game 5: DEL 3-6 CAR
Game 6: DEL 8-4 CAR

Welcome, 2023 draftees! Matthew Etzel destroyed baseballs with towering Home Runs. He finished with 8 hits, 9 RBI and six stolen bases. For some reason, he wasn't the player of the week in the Carolina League. Enrique Bradfield Jr, the 2023 first-round pick, showed his tools. Even with 2 hits, he finished with nine (!) walks and 8-8 in stolen bases. Will we see him in Aberdeen before the season ends?

On the mound, Angel Vargas had a great week (3.0 IP, BB, 4 K) alongside Deivy Cruz (5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K). We're waiting for you, Jackson Baumeister.

Next series: vs Salem Red Sox