The Orioles roster expands in September to 28, and multiple guys deserve a spot to help the Orioles claim a playoff spot.
Potential Candidates For Orioles September Callup
Sitting 77-56, 1 game behind the Yankees in the American League East, the Orioles are in an interesting spot. Despite their impressive record, they have not been a great baseball team for most of the second half. They are just 19-18 since the All-Star break. However, anything can happen in the MLB when the calendar turns to September. The atmosphere becomes playoff-like, and your whole season can fall apart or click together in just a month. That is why September call-ups have such a huge impact: getting an extra pitcher and batter/fielder for the last month could win a team the extra game it needed. The Orioles roster has many holes right now, and they could go in multiple ways. Let’s look into the possibilities down below.
Multiple Injured Pitchers Will Be Back
The Orioles have lost many different pitchers to injury this season, but some are close to returning. Jacob Webb and Zach Eflin, both key pitchers for the Orioles, look to be back sooner rather than later. Both serve very different purposes, but their importance to the Orioles roster cannot be overstated.
Webb, a relief pitcher, has had a high-leverage bullpen role since the second half of 2023. Webb had a 3.05 ERA this season in 49.2 innings before going down with an elbow injury. He will immediately resume his role in the back end of the Orioles bullpen as soon as he returns. Recently, Webb began a rehab assignment in Triple-A Norfolk and manager Brandon Hyde expects him to be back during the first week of September.
Some Orioles health updates from Brandon Hyde:
-Jacob Webb is heading to Norfolk for a rehab assignment. Hopeful to get him back first week of September
-Zach Eflin is planning to skip a rehab assignment and jump right back into the Orioles’ rotation after his 15 days are up— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) August 28, 2024
Eflin, a trade deadline acquisition, had an incredible first 4 starts with the Orioles. Prior to his injury, he was 4-0 and had a 2.13 ERA while wearing the orange. Simply put, Eflin was blossoming into the ace of the squad. However, Eflin went on the IL shortly after his fourth Orioles start, hoping to return soon. Hyde has said Eflin will not make any rehab starts, and once he is ready to come off the IL, he will rejoin the Orioles rotation. The Orioles roster will enjoy having him back, as his consistency will be extremely important down the stretch.
One of Webb of Eflin will certainly be the Orioles pitcher’s September callup. Once they are healthy, they will both be back on the Orioles roster and playing key roles down the stretch.
A Second Chance For A Top Prospect
Coby Mayo, the Orioles No.2 prospect and No. 10 prospect in the entire MLB, had a rough start to his MLB career. Called up hoping to spark a struggling Orioles lineup, but Mayo did not provide that. He went 1-17 in his first MLB stint while collecting 3 walks. He also made 1 error. After being sent back down to Triple-A in mid-July, Mayo took a week to work on some adjustments before returning to the Norfolk lineup. Mayo almost immediately began mashing baseballs again, and his bat continues to look ready for the MLB.
Despite his slow start, the Orioles should call up Mayo when rosters expand. His ability to hit left-handed pitching is awe-inspiring, and with an expanded roster, he can focus on just that. By next season, Mayo will be an everyday starter, but for now, all the Orioles need is a power specialist, and Mayo can be just that. Teammate Jackson Holliday struggled at first in the majors, but after being sent back down, he was eventually called up again and has been a star. Mayo can do the same, and be a key part of the Orioles roster down the stretch.
A Pair Of Veterans That Could Make An Impact
Besides Mayo, two other corner-infielders in Triple-A could make an impact if called up. Both Garrett Cooper and J.D. Davis have lots of MLB experience and could be helpful to the Orioles down the stretch. Cooper, although currently injured, is a former All-Star and, if healthy, could be a useful tool to have during September. Davis, a journeyman, was solid in Oakland this season before heading to the Yankees, where he struggled and was subsequently released. Both Davis and Cooper could be interesting veteran options for the Orioles to add to their roster.
Orioles General Manager Mike Elias will have a tough decision to make on who to call up, but whoever he chooses will hopefully have a strong role down the stretch.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
