masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgCHICAGO – On his first day in the big leagues David Washington will make his major league debut. The Orioles selected his contract today, and then manager Buck Showalter selected him to bat eighth as the DH.
Washington admitted he’s a bit of a nervous wreck right now, but he’ll try to channel the nerves and emotions as best as he can.
“It’s crazy,” Washington said. “My mind is going about a million miles per hour right now. Very excited. I’ve been a bit of a wreck. Trying to get…

CHICAGO – On his first day in the big leagues David Washington will make his major league debut. The Orioles selected his contract today, and then manager Buck Showalter selected him to bat eighth as the DH.

Washington admitted he’s a bit of a nervous wreck right now, but he’ll try to channel the nerves and emotions as best as he can.

“It’s crazy,” Washington said. “My mind is going about a million miles per hour right now. Very excited. I’ve been a bit of a wreck. Trying to get everything together and wrap my mind around being here with these guys. It’s been hectic, but it’s been great.”

baseballs-in-bin-sidebar.jpgIn 56 games at Triple-A Norfolk, Washington, a first baseman/outfielder, was batting .291/.344/.517 with 16 doubles, 10 homers, 26 RBIs and an .861 OPS. Washington has hit five homers over his past 11 games.

His bat is hot right now. He is hitting .429 (15-for-35) during a nine-game hitting streak. In 10 games in June, Washington is batting .405 with five doubles, three homers, eight RBIs and an OPS of 1.272.

What has been the key to his solid season and recent hot streak?

“Just staying consistent. Staying with my approach and not trying to do too much at the plate. I’ve been glad to be a part of this team and this organization, and now getting a chance to play in the big leagues. It’s awesome,” he said.

The 26-year-old Washington is batting just .196 versus lefty pitchers but has big stats against right-handed pitching. He is batting .327 with an OPS of .941 against righties, and has hit seven of his 10 homers off right-handers.

The Orioles signed Washington as a minor league free agent in November, and he was at major league spring training camp in Florida. Washington was drafted by St. Louis in the 15th round in 2009 and was with that organization through last season. He became a minor league free agent Nov. 7 and signed with the Orioles Nov. 23.

He was asked his expectations for tonight.

“I’m going to get a couple of swings off,” he said with a laugh. “That is my expectation right now.”

The nerves will be churning, he knows that, but he’ll do the best he can. Can he calm the nerves for that first at-bat?

“I don’t know if that’s possibe. I think my plan is just to embrace it and not shy from it. I’ll be nervous,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Orioles drafted Tyler Coolbaugh in the 36th round today. He is the son of O’s hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh and is a shortstop for Angelo State University in Texas. He is here with his father during this series. More from father and son later.