The Orioles lost in 10 innings last night but remained three games back for the last Wild Card, which makes sense when understanding that the Guardians and White Sox keep taking turns leading the American League Central.

A three-game margin with eight to play. The Orioles are sniffing elimination and gasping for air, but they’re still breathing.

My mailbag won’t be eliminated. That’s my promise to you.

You ask, I try to answer, and we have the latest sequel to the beloved 2009 original.

My mailbag chases playoff berths and your mailbag has its Chase card compromised.

What’s your read on Michael Arougheti’s involvement in big decisions, like whether to clean house in the front office? We never see or hear from him, but it seems like every time David Rubenstein talks, he mentions Mike Arougheti. He feels like a shadow owner.
This is an interesting question without an easy answer because none of us are privy to every aspect of the inner workings of the ownership group. Rubenstein has the ultimate say as control owner, but Arougheti is on deck for that role and he’s doing more than just sitting back in the shadows … if that’s a shadow owner. He isn’t a silent partner here. I’ve heard unconfirmed that he had input in the decision to change managers last season. That also would seem to apply to other important tasks, like the one you referenced.

Has there been an organizational shift in pitching development? Going back to last year’s trade deadline, Mike Elias has stockpiled far more pitching depth in the minors than ever before. Why the sudden emphasis?
It’s more about the imbalance between pitching and position players on various prospect lists. The tilt toward position players was heavy. The Orioles are more likely to consider spending on pitching than under previous ownership, but they still have their limits based on their market size and the risks associated with big contracts. Trading for young arms, and the haul in recent drafts, is a less expensive way to upgrade. And check the latest set of prospect rankings. Lots of pitching.

Does the Matt Blood firing indicate that Elias will get at least one more year?
You mean “mutual parting.” The terminology usually indicates that the organization moved first, but Blood’s departure didn’t come with an announcement or explanation. Anyway, Elias is expected to stay. He’s always had Rubenstein’s support, which is voiced in every press conference. However, other changes are coming to the front office. Sid Mejdal remains as assistant general manager but with a different set of responsibilities, heading the research of emerging technologies and innovative practices across baseball operations. Missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, if that’s the outcome, and perhaps finishing in last place again is bound to bring action. The question is how much and who’s directly impacted by it.

Is Luis Robert expected back from the IL this weekend?
No. He might not play again this season. He definitely won’t be ready over the weekend. But he was fun while he lasted.

Pete Alonso should get some MVP votes, right? Will any other Orioles get national hardware consideration? Colton Cowser for Gold Glove?
Alonso is guaranteed to get MVP votes on a 10-player ballot. I’d give a “maybe” to Cowser. Alonso has a shot at being a Gold Glove finalist unless reputation comes into play. You never know with these things. Samuel Basallo looked like he might have a case in Rookie of the Year voting, but he isn’t cracking the top five. I have a ROY vote. Not that you asked.

Do you have any insight into why the O’s organization has passed over Andrew Magno so often? I understand that he has a high BB/9 and a high WHIP, but his ERA is so low that I would think he is worth a shot in the big leagues. Plus, he leads the entire organization in saves (as of September 18), so he is getting it done in the moments that matter.
Hey, I tried! But seriously, there must be concerns about the walks, as you noted. Thirty-one in 52 innings before last night. Some of the analytical data might be working against him. He isn’t on the 40-man roster, but that hasn’t been a deterrent with other players. The Orioles have bypassed him for other left-handers, and that’s telling. Why? They aren’t telling.

If the players were allowed to drink during games, would we have a better record?
Probably not. But I’d write more entertaining recaps if I did. Dare me.

When is the last time there was a unanimous MVO? Anyone you ever felt got snubbed?
Cedric Mullins was a unanimous winner in 2021. That’s impressive, since it’s hard to get everyone to agree on anything. The general consensus in 2015 was that Manny Machado would be MVO. An informal poll showed that a bunch of the beat writers voted for him, but Chris Davis won it. Hard to bash that choice when he finished with 31 doubles, 47 home runs, 117 RBIs and a .923 OPS. It must have been close. Machado certainly rates as one of the most worthy players who, we assume, was runner-up.

What’s Coby Mayo’s new “secret” recipe or routine for his latest results? And don’t say it’s your mom’s cooking.
I’d never! It’s no secret that the Orioles noted how Mayo is more effective when getting out in front of a ball instead of letting it travel. This recipe isn’t recommended for everyone. He’s more disciplined at the plate against breaking stuff. He’s obviously more confident. He doubled twice last night against right-handers and also walked against lefty DL Hall. And let’s face it, the power has always been there. It needed to be unlocked, and he needed to play more regularly. I’ve said it many times. He isn’t the type of hitter who can sit for stretches, jump off the bench and go on a heater. Yes, you’ve got to earn playing time. It’s like the chicken-and-the-egg argument. Or Buck Showalter’s story about a hitter who claimed that he’d play better if he played more. The response was, “You’ll play more if you play better.” Sounds like a standoff. Anyway, Jordan Westburg’s injury offered more chances at third base and now Mayo is a regular in the lineup. The shuttle to Triple-A won’t make any more stops at his house.

Will we see Ryan Helsley again?
I’d suggest a trip to Norfolk, but I can’t make that promise. He threw an inning for the Tides on Saturday and that’s it. Manager Craig Albernaz said it went well, but why hasn’t he gotten into another game. I’ll run back Albernaz’s quote from yesterday: “We’re taking it day-to-day with Hels. We’re just trying to figure out the next steps and what that looks like for him and for us.” If reading between the lines, it doesn’t seem like a return is imminent.

Have you integrated any AI-powered tools into your current research or proofreading workflow? As automated language models continue to evolve, many professionals are adopting them to streamline document editing, summarize lengthy source materials, and refine draft content to improve overall efficiency. Follow up question. Can you tell this was written by AI?
Is “AI” one of those crime shows that my mother records every week? I don’t use it. The closest I come is in Google searches, when an AI explanation is the first thing that appears. It’s accurate about 50 percent of the time. Much like myself.

Are there any ex-players that you would consider friends that keep in touch?
“Friends” is a tricky term. I don’t routinely exchange text messages, call or meet up with them. But I’ve got great relationships with a bunch of former players that definitely feel like friendships. I’d happily see them more often. That word was used after a lengthy phone call with Brady Anderson to talk about Brian Matusz, but also to catch up on our lives. I’d say the same about guys like Caleb Joseph, Trey Mancini, Ryan Flaherty, Chris Davis, Adam Jones, Mike Bordick, Jeff Reboulet, Brian Bass, Chris Hoiles, Nolan Reimold, Alan Mills, Jim Miller, Scott McGregor, Brad Brach, Brian Roberts, Rick Dempsey, Dave Johnson, Ben McDonald and, of course, Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. And there are others. (I scrolled through my phone to pull up some names and wondered how I lost touch with Jemile Weeks and whether, in quiet moments, he thinks about me.)

Do the O’s finish with a winning record for 2026?
This is an old one and I still don’t know. The toughest strength of schedule in the majors says “no.” But how many times has this team been pronounced dead and crawled back within range of the last Wild Card? So … check back with me on Sept. 27. I want off this rollercoaster of emotions.

Might the Orioles shut down Kyle Bradish?
Also an old one. Sorry. Yes, because he’s on the 15-day injured list with a sports hernia. Otherwise, they were willing to keep handing him the ball unless they sensed that the workload became too much for him. Bradish kept insisting that his arm felt great. He isn’t on the IL because of his arm.

Are you going to stay at the same workload in 2027, i.e., no or minimal travel? Or will you travel more? Or will you ratchet, or get ratcheted, down more? Any thoughts about moving, or having to move, beyond MASN? Completely retiring? Or what? Or is it just too soon to know?
You sure ask a lot of questions for someone from New Jersey (RIP Gilda). I’m just trying to get through the 2026 season and whatever happens over the winter, like a possible lockout. I’m just trying to figure out how to come up with copy on a regular basis. I’m just trying to stay out of trouble. I’m just here so I don’t get fined. Yeah, it’s too soon to know. Or say.

Heston Kjerstad has a silent “j” in his name. Why is his name entirely silent when the lineups are announced?
Good one! He didn’t start again last night against right-hander Dustin May. My read on the situation is that he’d probably play more if the Orioles were eliminated. Albernaz is going with lineups that he believes will give them the best chance to win, and Leody Taveras’ defense in right field apparently is a factor. And the designated hitter spot is usually filled by Coby Mayo or Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Last night it was the latter.

If the Orioles do not make the playoffs, what’s the timeline for us to hear about personnel changes (or not)? Or would we not hear anything until after the CBA stuff is over?
Haven’t your heard? They don’t do timelines here. They’ve already been pretty busy with Blood and Mejdal news. I’ve been working under the assumption that teams probably would wait until they reopen for business if there’s a lockout. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote the following this week about possible managerial hires: “Some teams might want to save money by waiting to hire a manager, knowing that during the work stoppage the new skipper could not communicate with players, only front-office personnel and coaches.” It’s a mistake to put every team in the same box. The Orioles aren’t delaying their business until a new CBA is in place.

Since Blaze Alexander has an .873 OPS versus right handed pitching and Jackson Holliday is at .657, do you expect the bulk of the second base starts to go to Alexander down the stretch?
Man, I’ve really neglected this mailbag. Alexander and Holliday are in the IL. Holliday still has inflammation and soreness in his left wrist, which makes it feel like Alexander will beat him back to the active roster. But Jeremiah Jackson is the second baseman in their absences, which makes him the down-the-stretch guy at the moment.

Which player on the O’s would lose a fight against a goose?
This seems like a good place to stop.

Is it OK to tap your nose on my iPhone to get the list of your blog posts, or do you prefer chin? Something else?
This is definitely a good place to stop.