McCann reaches coveted service time and wants to keep going

James McCann

One of the most important milestones for James McCann was reached last month when he accrued 10 years of major league service time, a feat accomplished by roughly seven percent of players. He qualified for the fully vested portion of the pension. And if he stayed with the same team for five years, he’d have the power to veto any trade.

The last part probably won’t happen with McCann, who celebrated his 34th birthday in June. The four-year deal he signed with the Mets expires after the season, and he’s spent the last two with the Orioles after they traded for him on Dec. 21, 2022.

McCann is focused on the last month of the regular season and trying to win another division title, but he confirmed over the weekend that he wants to play next season. He isn’t ready to retire.

“My body feels good,” he said. “I haven’t really put an end date in sight. I feel like right now I’m focused on the task at hand and helping this team advance to the playoffs and beyond. But the future is something we can’t control and it’s something that I’ve preached for a long time in my career is control what you can control. So I try not to dwell on what the future holds too much.”

So he intends to keep playing?

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Povich strikes out 10 in 7 1/3 scoreless innings and Orioles wallop woeful White Sox 9-0 (updated)

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A team can’t lose 109 times by accident. Flukes and bad luck don’t explain three streaks of 11 or more defeats in a season and 42 in the last 46 games.

The White Sox are exceptionally bad, and the Orioles, who absorbed plenty of beatings in their rebuild phase, aren’t giving an ounce of sympathy.

No one felt sorry for them. When an opponent is down, you jump on it with both feet.

The Orioles came off the top rope tonight.

They collected three doubles among the first four batters to face Chicago rookie Nick Nastrini and tallied seven runs by the second. Their own first-year starter, Cade Povich, struck out 10 batters in 7 1/3 scoreless innings, both career highs, in a 9-0 victory before an announced crowd of 15,108 at Camden Yards.

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Summary of progression by injured Orioles and other pregame notes

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The Orioles are pushing to regain a significant chunk of their health before October.

Let’s start with reliever Danny Coulombe, who faced hitters today for the first time since undergoing surgery in June to remove bone chips from his left elbow.

Coulombe has thrown off a mound, but today represented a significant step in his progression toward a rehab assignment and reinstatement from the injured list.

“Definitely encouraged,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. He’s in the weight room kind of getting his post-throw lift in. He felt pretty good, so hopefully it feels good tomorrow, too.”

Reliever Jacob Webb tossed a scoreless inning with Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday and he’s pitching again for the Tides on Wednesday. The Orioles will decide after the outing whether he’s ready to get back into their bullpen.

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Orioles lineup vs. White Sox and notes on Webb, Coulombe and Wall

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Anthony Santander is in right field tonight and Coby Mayo stays on the bench as the Orioles continue their series against the White Sox at Camden Yards.

Eloy Jiménez is the designated hitter. Emmanuel Rivera is at third base.

Gunnar Henderson hit his 34th home run yesterday to tie Cal Ripken Jr. (1991) and Miguel Tejada (2004) for most by an Orioles shortstop in a season. He produced the team’s 12th leadoff homer to tie the record set in 1996.

Austin Slater is batting .295/.404/.432 (13-for-44) since joining the Orioles, but he’s on the bench tonight. Colton Cowser is in left field and Cedric Mullins is in center.

Rookie Cade Povich is making his 12th major league start and trying to lower a 6.58 ERA and 1.731 WHIP accumulated over 52 innings. Povich has allowed 10 runs and 18 hits in his last two starts over 8 1/3 innings.

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This, that and the other

Coby Mayo

Coby Mayo started at third base Sunday afternoon in Denver after rejoining the Orioles on their expanded roster and he lined a single the opposite way for his second major league hit. He also scored his third run. He seemed comfortable in the box and in the field.

The Rockies started left-hander Ty Blach. The Orioles placed Ramón Urías on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right ankle. Mayo was pretty much a lock to be in the lineup.

Yesterday’s series opener against the White Sox offered a different story. Mayo sat while right-handed hitter Emmanuel Rivera played third base against right-hander Chris Flexen. Mayo didn't make an appearance in the blowout win.

I saw theories floated that Mayo could work in a platoon with left-handed hitting Nick Maton, who had his contract selected yesterday from Triple-A Norfolk, but they shared bench space yesterday. First base presents an option for Mayo with Ryan Mountcastle on the injured list due to a sprained left wrist, and he’s made 21 starts with the Tides.

The Orioles might be hesitant to transfer that experiment to the majors, but it isn’t clear what they plan to do with him.

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James McCann on Orioles' injuries: “I’d say not surprised as much as, ‘Here we go again'"

Dean Kremer after being hit in the forearm

DENVER - The reaction is about what you’d expect. Players watch a teammate sustain an injury and struggle to comprehend the reasoning or keep count.

Zach Eflin is reinstated from the injured list and starts yesterday’s series finale in Colorado, less than 24 hours after a 103.1 mile line drive slams into Dean Kremer’s right arm, creating a Rocky Mountain high welt above his wrist. The Orioles were dumped again into their gain-one, lose-one way of life.

Kremer has avoided the injured list and perhaps the off-day Thursday works in his favor. But he lasted only 3 1/3 innings and manager Brandon Hyde used six relievers in a 7-5 loss. Hyde said yesterday that he’d be surprised if Kremer started in the next four or five days.

Ramón Urías is hit on the nose by a 93.8 mph sinker, stays in the game and rolls his ankle covering third base. He’s on crutches and the 10-day IL, putting the Orioles’ hottest hitter on ice for an indefinite period.

If it wasn’t for bad luck …

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Eflin perfect through fifth in return to rotation, Orioles find offense in 6-1 win (updated)

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DENVER – The Orioles recorded a hit with a runner in scoring position to take a quick lead, and Zach Eflin retired the side in order on 10 pitches in his return from the injured list. Maybe, just maybe, the Orioles would make it through the afternoon in good health and with a series win. Leaving the drama at the entrance to Coors Field. Starting a new month with a new attitude and better vibes.

They couldn’t possibly know what else Eflin would deliver.

Eflin retired the first 15 batters on only 49 pitches to flirt with the first perfect game in franchise history. He’d settle for seven innings of one-run ball in a 6-1 victory over the Rockies before an announced crowd of 32,961 on another gorgeous Denver day.

Eflin was barreling toward the first Orioles complete game since Dean Kremer on Sept. 23, 2022 against the Astros at Camden Yards. Kremer left last night’s start in the fourth after taking a line drive off his right forearm area. An odd connection was brewing.

Chad Kuhl tossed the last complete game at Coors Field on June 27, 2022.

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More on Mayo returning to majors, updates on Vespi and Tate

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DENVER – Coby Mayo was on a flight to Denver last night when third baseman Ramón Urías sprained his right ankle. Mayo was joining the Orioles’ expanded roster, unaware that he’d do more than fill out the bench.

“Obviously, I saw what happened after the fact,” Mayo said.

He also heard plenty about it. His phone was blowing up with text messages about Urías and the opportunity that arrived as he checked into the team hotel.

Urías rolled his ankle while covering third base on Ezequiel Tover’s stolen base in the seventh inning. Urías laid on the ground, writhing in pain, and remains on crutches today.

An offense that’s scuffled for prolonged periods lost a player batting .357 with a 1.178 OPS over his last 14 games before last night. Just another unfortunate injury that tests this team’s depth and resolve.

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Urías goes on injured list in flurry of Orioles' roster moves (updated with O's lineup)

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DENVER – Zach Eflin is reinstated from the injured list and starting this afternoon against the Rockies. Coby Mayo is recalled from Triple-A Norfolk as the 14th position player on an expanded roster.

And that’s just the beginning.

Infielder Ramón Urías is on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right ankle. He’s on crutches again today after rolling the ankle last night on a tag play at third base.

The Orioles selected catcher David Bañuelos’ contract from Norfolk. He was on the taxi squad and likely will return to it by Monday afternoon.

Outfielder Forrest Wall was designated for assignment to make room for Bañuelos. He was 4-for-11 with a home run for Norfolk after the Orioles claimed him on waivers last week from the Marlins.

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This, that and the other

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DENVER – Seranthony Domínguez has converted his seven save opportunities with the Orioles following the trade that unfolded near the deadline that sent outfielder Austin Hays to the Phillies.

The ride can’t be described as smooth, but he usually gets the team where it wants to finish.

The occasional bumps have resulted in all of the scoring against Domínguez. He’s allowed five runs in 15 innings on solo homers by José Ramírez on Aug. 3, Rob Refsnyder on the 18th, Francisco Alvarez on the 19th, Jesse Winker on the 21st and Brendan Rodgers Friday night.

Alvarez and Winker had walk-off homers for the Mets at Citi Field to stick Domínguez with both losses. Four of the home runs were hit in a span of seven appearances.

In 16 games, Domínguez has registered a 3.00 ERA and 0.933 WHIP with 10 hits, four walks and 19 strikeouts.

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Urías sprains ankle in Orioles' 7-5 loss

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DENVER – The Orioles lost one game and two more players tonight.

Infielder Ramón Urías has a sprained right ankle. He was on crutches in the clubhouse following the Rockies’ 7-5 win at Coors Field.

Urías and Dean Kremer, who was hit by a line drive on the lower right forearm, will be re-evaluated Sunday.

Kremer has a contusion after X-rays came back negative for a fracture, but the length of his potential absence is unknown tonight.

Urías took a beating. Ryan Feltner hit him on the nose with a 93.8 mph sinker in the fifth inning, but Urías turned away in time to avoid flush contact and stayed in the game.

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Kremer leaves game after being hit on right arm (X-rays negative, Urías also hurt in 7-5 loss)

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DENVER – The Orioles anticipate having Zach Eflin return from the injured list Sunday to make his fifth start. A breath of fresh air for a team that's gasping.

The rotation's gain might be nullified by losing Dean Kremer, which would be another massive blow.

Jordan Beck’s 103.1 mph line drive tonight nailed Kremer on the lower right forearm in the fourth inning, forcing him out of the game. A huge welt developed almost instantly above the wrist.

Kremer paced behind the mound in obvious pain as head athletic trainer Brian Ebel and manager Brandon Hyde raced out of the dugout. Keegan Akin replaced Kremer with the Orioles down 3-2.

The ball ricocheted to shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who threw to Jackson Holiday for the force.

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Orioles and Rockies lineups for second game of series at Coors Field (updated)

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DENVER – Adley Rutschman is catching tonight and batting second as the Orioles try to secure a series win at Coors field. He was on the field for early hitting.

Gunnar Henderson is leading off and Colton Cowser moves down to fifth. Eloy Jiménez is the designated hitter.

Anthony Santander is in the cleanup spot.

Ramón Urías stays at third base. Jackson Holliday stays in the ninth spot in the order.

The Yankees lost today and lead the Orioles by only one game in the division race.

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Sources: Mayo joining Orioles for second stint in majors

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DENVER – Expanded roster plans in September took a clearer shape earlier today.

The Orioles are bringing corner infielder Coby Mayo to Colorado, according to multiple sources. He can become the 14th position player beginning Sunday, a move that was anticipated.

Mayo went 1-for-17 with 10 strikeouts in his first major league experience but kept abusing Triple-A pitching, batting .293 with a .943 OPS, 23 doubles, three triples, 22 home runs and 67 RBIs in 87 games with the Norfolk Tides. Two of his home runs were hit after the Orioles optioned him.

Mayo started at first base again last night, where he could be used by the Orioles with Ryan Mountcastle on the injured list.

Ramón Urías is red-hot at the plate, slashing .357/.440/.738 with a 1.178 OPS over his last 14 games since Aug. 16, and seems to have third base locked up with Jordan Westburg also on the injured list.

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Orioles' series in Colorado turns into Holliday family event

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DENVER – Playing in the majors at age 20 already presents a litany of challenges for Jackson Holliday. Now that he’s in Colorado with the Orioles, he’s tested to remember incidents that happened when he was a young boy. The heartwarming family moments. The silly stuff. Keep ‘em coming.

Matt Holliday spent his first five seasons with the Rockies and returned in 2018 for his final 25 games before retirement. He held Jackson in his arms after his team won the 2007 National League Championship Series, an iconic photo that was shown, among so many others, during last night’s broadcast.

Jackson would celebrate his fourth birthday in December. Things that happened back then aren’t crystal clear in his mind, but media at his locker tried to pry it out of him.

“I remember vaguely just moments here and there, the playoffs, and certain things like, playing yesterday (at Dodger Stadium) they did the MVP chants for (Shohei) Ohtani and I kind of remember that whenever my dad was here,” he said. “And obviously, whenever he came back with St. Louis. To come here and just be a part of everything.”

What about playing Wiffle Ball? Surely, he’s got some tales to share.

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Suárez logs career-high seven innings and Rivera helps offense come alive in Orioles' 5-3 win (updated)

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DENVER – Orioles manager Brandon Hyde broke out the right-handed lineup tonight, having learned a while ago to write with his fingers crossed.

Emmanuel Rivera would play first base and bat seventh, getting another start with Ryan Mountcastle on the injured list. Rivera responded with his first hits, home run and RBIs with the Orioles to prove that he can do more than draw walks.

They’ll take anything from their offense, of course. This isn’t a team that can afford to be picky.

Albert Suárez navigated some early trouble to complete a career-high seven innings, Jackson Holliday had an RBI triple and run scored in the ninth, and the Orioles defeated the Rockies 5-3 before an announced crowd of 30,444 at Coors Field.

The Orioles went 4-for-15 with runners in scoring position but improved their record to 78-58. The Yankees defeated the Cardinals earlier today to maintain their 1 ½-game lead in the division.

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Eflin probable for Sunday's start in Colorado

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DENVER – The Orioles can feel a lot better about their rotation.

Zach Eflin had a bullpen session this afternoon at Coors Field and is ready to hop back onto the active roster. He’s eligible to be reinstated Sunday and the Orioles kept that spot TBA.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Eflin is “probable” to close out the series against the Rockies which also concludes the latest road trip.

“Probably see how he recovers tomorrow and then we’ll see how it goes,” Hyde said.

Eflin has registered four quality starts in his four appearances with the Orioles. He went on the injured list retroactive to Aug. 17 with inflammation in his right shoulder, another harsh blow to a club that’s already missing Grayson Rodriguez until mid-to-late September and Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells for the rest of 2024.

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Orioles and Rockies lineups for series opener at Coors Field

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DENVER – The Orioles have totaled four hits or fewer in five of their last 11 games. They’ve scored three runs or fewer in eight of their last 12.

Manager Bandon Hyde has only so many lineup combinations to play. He’s got Austin Slater leading off tonight and Emmanuel Rivera playing first base against Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber at Coors Field. James McCann is catching.

Slater is 9-for-19 with three doubles and two triples against Gomber. Rivera and McCann are 1-for-6 with a home run.

Adley Rutschman is on the bench. He went 2-for-12 against the Dodgers and is batting .211/.285/.325 in 33 games since the All-Star break.

Eloy Jiménez is the cleanup hitter. Ramón Urías is batting fifth.

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Orioles return to Colorado, roster expansion nearing

Jordan Westburg

DENVER - The Orioles are in Colorado for three games against the last-place Rockies, who are a bottom-three team in the majors. They are polar opposites of the Dodgers. It’s like drinking San Pellegrino or straight from the garden hose.

The clubs met at Camden Yards last summer and the Orioles won two of three, with each game decided by a single run. The Rockies won two of three in 2019 at Coors Field during the infant stages of the Orioles’ rebuild.

Known as “infant” because it made you cry every hour.

In the Orioles’ lone victory, Keon Broxton played center field and Stevie Wilkerson was in left. Hanser Alberto batted leadoff. Josh Lucas tossed three scoreless innings for his only major league save.

My only memory of that series isn’t Josh Lucas. It’s Broxton swinging at the first pitch thrown to him as an Oriole, by former prospect Jeff Hoffman, and hitting it 474 feet onto the left field concourse. Jaws dropped in the press box simultaneously, creating a sound louder than the home run.

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Mailbag leftovers for breakfast

Grayson Rodriguez

Emptying a mailbag is more complicated than it appears on the surface, because of what’s happening at the bottom.

To put it in simple terms, stuff gets stuck.

Here are some extra questions that I didn’t want to ignore. Same no rules apply.

With Grayson Rodriguez not due back until mid-to-late September, that may not be enough time to be built back up. Is it silly to think he could fill in as a closer for the playoffs?
You aren’t the only one to have this thought and it does intrigue. The rotation needs Rodriguez and building him up is part of the process leading to his reinstatement from the injured list. That’s why it’s going to take this long. But it isn’t the worst idea. I had someone else nominate Dean Kremer for the job. But again, the rotation is the priority.

Which of the three areas on the roster needs to improve the most for the Orioles to make a deep playoff run: Starting rotation, bullpen or lineup?
Yes. All of them. But it always starts with starting pitching. What happened in the Division Series is proof. However, blown leads late in games or an offense that can’t get more than three hits also will doom you. The Orioles were fortunate to beat the Dodgers Tuesday with only three runs scored and Cole Irvin going 4 1/3 innings – a short leash at 60 pitches. The bullpen was money with 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

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