Baltimore Orioles Minor League Recap: May 30-Jun 05

Colton Cowser is back. Jordan Westburg hit dingers. Two Players of the Month in Aberdeen and the beginning of 2023 Dominican Summer League. Let's recap.

Baltimore Orioles minor league recap: May 30-June 5

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series vs Gwinnett Stripers (Tides wins 5-2)
Record: 40-17 (Best team on International League)

Game 1: GWN 7-9 NOR
Game 2: GWN 3-8 NOR
Game 3: GWN 7-0 NOR
Game 4: GWN 2-5 NOR
Game 5: GWN 16-0 NOR
Game 6: GWN 2-9 NOR
Game 7: GWN 4-13 NOR

The good news for Birdland is Colton Cowser returning to action (4-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2.457 OPS). With Mullins on IL, the history could've been different. But, hey: he's back and he'll have a good company in Heston Kjerstad. The headline for Tides bats is Jordan Westburg, who continues to rake, by the way (7-25, 2 HR, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 11 runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts, stolen base, 1.040 OPS). Honorable mention for Shayne Fontana (1.113 OPS).

On the mound, Grayson Rodriguez started last Saturday. The good: he threw 6.0 IP and didn't allowed a run (one hit). The bad: five walks and one strikeout. Not pretty numbers, but he'll be back on track. Birdland hope for a bounce back. DL Hall threw only three innings allowing three hits, two earned runs, two walks and two strikeouts. About lefties, a scoreless week by Nick Vespi.

Next series: at Scranton Wilkes/Barre RailRiders

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Series vs Harrisburg Senators (Senators wins 4-2)
Record: 18-31 (10.0 GB on Eastern League Southwest)

Game 1: HBG 2-3 BOW
Game 2: HBG 3-1 BOW
Game 3: HBG 6-5 BOW
Game 4: HBG 2-3 BOW (F/10)
Game 5: HBG 13-4 BOW
Game 6: HBG 14-10 BOW

A farewell for Heston Kjerstad (9-26, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 4 R, .893 OPS) and Easton Lucas (2.1 IP, 3 K), promoted to Norfolk this week. The pitching staff had two arms with 10 strikeouts: Garrett Stallings and Carlos Tavera. Connor Gillispie was solid (7 K's in 4.0 IP). For Chayce McDermott (5 BB, 4 K, ER) and Cade Povich (3.0 IP, .500 BAA, 9 H, 6 R) not so good.

The offense had some positives with a rehab assignment for Hudson Haskin (7-21) and Coby Mayo (seven hits, four doubles). John Rhodes hits a roundtripper (5-21).

Next series: at Erie SeaWolves

Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A)

Series at Hudson Valley Renegades (IronBirds wins 4-2)
Record: 24-26 (4.5 GB on South Atlantic League North)

Game 1: ABD 7-0 HV
Game 2: ABD 7-4 HV
Game 3: ABD 1-0 HV
Game 4: ABD 2-1 HV (F/12)
Game 5: ABD 2-3 HV
Game 6: ABD 0-9 HV

Another double trouble with achievements. Jackson Holliday (2-18, 2 SB) and Alex Pham (8.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 10 K) were selected the South Atlantic League batter and pitcher of the week respectively. The Birds' pitchers had a good week in strikeouts alongside Pham: Cooper Chandler (7), Daniel Lloyd (7) and Jean Pinto (6) put a stamp in this category. Jean Pinto continues to grow and a promotion it's a matter of time.

The great headline for the offense was the inside-the-park Home Run by Dylan Beavers. The best hitter was Jud Fabian, with four (.235 BAA). Creed Willems made his debut in High-A and hit a Home Run (3-18).

Next series: vs Asheville Tourists

Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A)

Series at Fredericksburg Nationals (Nationals wins 6-1)
Record: 24-26 (6.0 GB on Carolina League North)

Game 1: DEL 5-7 FBG
Game 2: DEL 1-2 FBG
Game 3: DEL 2-9 FBG
Game 4: DEL 7-8 FBG
Game 5: DEL 7-3 FBG
Game 6: DEL 1-7 FBG
Game 7: DEL 3-4 FBG

Three batters were outstanding, even with only one win against the Nationals' affiliate: Isaac Bellony (9-23, 2 3B, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1.092 OPS), Carter Young (7-17, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 5 R, 1.121 OPS) and Samuel Basallo (6-20, HR, 2B, 4 RBI, .864 OPS).

Wyatt Cheaney was the only pitcher with a win after a good outing (5.0 IP, H, 3 BB, 2 K). Edgar Portes had similar numbers (4.0 IP, H, BB, 4 K). Cesar Alvarez, from relief, was the same (5.0 IP, 4 H, R, BB, 4 K). Yaqui Rivera leads the pitching staff with 7 strikeouts.

Next series: vs Down East Wood Ducks

Dominican Summer League

Last Monday, the Dominican Summer League started with two Baltimore teams. This league is a preparation for high schoolers and international players to play alongside his peers in a short tournament to climb the ladder for minor leagues and The Show.

The headline of Orioles' prospects are Zack Showalter, the 11th round pick from last draft who made his professional debut (3.0 IP, 2 H, 6 K) alongside Luis Almeyda, the Orioles' signing record last January.