Late Night Moves
After Friday night’s game, The Baltimore Orioles optioned right-handed pitcher T.J McFarland to AAA Norfolk. The move comes after McFarland worked three innings in Friday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. The most plausible reason for the move is the injury first baseman Chris Davis suffered in last night’s game.
Davis left Friday’s game in the fourth inning after he strained his left oblique. Before Friday’s game, the Orioles only had three bench players and an eight man bullpen, with no one besides Ryan Flaherty who can play first so a roster move seemed likely anyway.
Early Saturday, reports were saying the Jemile Weeks was the player who was going to being recalled from Norfolk. There was some speculation that either Weeks or David Adams, both on the 40-man roster, might be called up. Adams has played first before but calling up Weeks seems more logical for the Orioles. Ryan Flaherty will most likely play first if Davis is unable to play, while Weeks will be the backup infielder.
Most people only see how these roster moves impact the major league club, ignoring what it does for the minor league affiliate. If Weeks is being called up, Norfolk will lose one of their best hitters so far this season. Weeks is hitting .296 with seven RBI in 17 games this season. Weeks has played most second base, being the Tides starter, but can be flexible and play some outfield.
With Weeks being called up to the majors it will be interesting to see who replaces him in the Tides’ lineup. The Tides have three second baseman on their roster, not including Weeks. The most likely candidates for the starting role will be Alexi Cassia, Cord Phelps, and Ivan De Jesus. All players could see significant playing time if Weeks stays with the Roioes for an extended period of time though.
Cassia is hitting .242 with seven RBI and one home run. De Jesus is hitting .304 with three doubles in just eight games played. Phelps on the other hand, is hitting .240 with only one RBI in 13 games played. Basing a prediction on the numbers, De Jesus would be the guy who would see the most playing time out of the three.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see what manager Ron Johnson decides to do however, the Tides play tonight at 7:05. The Tides will start Kevin Gausman tonight against a Columbus Clippers team who has looked good in their last two games. Gausman original start was supposed to be last night but the game canceled due to inclement weather.
