masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgFor a relief pitcher, it can take only a few outings to go from pitching lights out to struggling. Orioles right-hander Chaz Roe knows all about that.
Roe got called up from Triple-A Norfolk on May 24 and immediately threw six scoreless outings to start his Orioles career. After his first 15 games, he had an ERA of 0.90 and a .162 average against.
But he has been scored on now in three of his last four outings. Over five innings, he allowed eight hits and six runs and opposing batters have hit…

For a relief pitcher, it can take only a few outings to go from pitching lights out to struggling. Orioles right-hander Chaz Roe knows all about that.

Roe got called up from Triple-A Norfolk on May 24 and immediately threw six scoreless outings to start his Orioles career. After his first 15 games, he had an ERA of 0.90 and a .162 average against.

But he has been scored on now in three of his last four outings. Over five innings, he allowed eight hits and six runs and opposing batters have hit .364 (8-for-22) against him.

I asked Roe if he sensed that hitters were making some adjustments against him.

Roe-Throws-White.jpg“No, I think I just left some pitches over the plate,” he said. “Certain situations, like in Minnesota, I threw a hanging slider. If I would have buried that pitch, I think I get the guy out. It is just adjustments I have to make to get back on track and I am working on that right now.

“It is not mechanics. Just about location more than anything. It is part of the game. You will give up some runs, but you always try to minimize any damage.

“Talked to Dom (Chiti, bullpen coach) the other day and he said just keep doing what you are doing. The pitch selection has been fine, it is just location.”

The 28-year-old Roe was signed by the Orioles to a minor league contract in December and has provided a big lift to the club since he came up from Norfolk. Over 19 games, he is 2-1 with an ERA of 2.88 and 28 strikeouts over 25 innings. He has not allowed a single inherited runner to score, stranding 14.

“I am definitely glad I am part of this organization and it has been a blast so far. Very glad to be here,” he said.

Since April 29, the Orioles bullpen ranks third in the majors and leads the American League with a 2.41 ERA. For the season, the Orioles bullpen ranks sixth in the majors and third in the AL with a 2.92 ERA.