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ANAHEIM, Calif. – Zach Eflin’s return to the big league mound has been grabbing most headlines. For a rotation in search of stability, the veteran right-hander provides just that.
The rotation, however, hasn’t been the main culprit of the Orioles’ recent woes. That has been Baltimore’s lineup, which has plated more than three runs in just one of their past six games.
A healthy Tyler O’Neill, and his career OPS just shy of .800, could be the shot in the arm that Baltimore needs.
The outfielder, activated to the active roster today after missing time with a neck injury, wasn't hitting like himself to begin the 2025 season. O’Neill hit just .215 with a .385 slugging percentage and .668 OPS, all some of the worst numbers of his career.
That neck injury, as it turns out, had been an issue for O’Neill throughout much of the season and had a big impact on what he was able to do at the plate.
“It was something I was managing over the course of the year, for the most part,” O’Neill said. “I went through about a week stretch there where it was a really tough time, just moving around, everyday lifestyle. Specifically, looking to my left.”
As you might imagine, not being able to look left can certainly inhibit your swing.
“I just couldn’t get to a spot where I felt comfortable landing,” he added. “With my stride, it was just becoming very inconsistent and throwing a loop in my swing. It was definitely noticeable for me. I did what I could to prepare and to compete on a day-to-day basis, but I’m just thankful for taking the time and making sure I’m feeling better and I came out a lot stronger because of it.”
The inconsistencies in his swing could certainly explain some early struggles, specifically against left-handed pitching. O’Neill’s prowess against southpaws was one of the biggest reasons that the O’s brought him to town, and, in part because of the outfielder’s struggles, Baltimore has been swimming upstream in that category.
Entering tonight’s game, the Orioles are hitting just .178 against lefties with a .498 OPS, both the worst marks in the game. O’Neill has just two hits against left-handers on the year, both singles. That’s a far cry from his career OPS close to .900 against lefties in his career. With a larger sample size, that’s sure to regress towards the mean.
“I definitely want to hit lefties well,” O’Neill said. “I want to hit righties well, too. So wherever Skip wants to put me in the lineup on a day-to-day basis, I’m going to do what I can to compete and do the best job that I can.”
Brandon Hyde is just happy to have the slugger back in the lineup, regardless of who he’s facing.
“We’ve had a tough time since the second half of last year, so somebody that’s had a lot of at-bats in their career, understands what pitchers are trying to do to him and has some confidence at the plate, Tyler can add that for us,” Hyde noted before today’s game.
The Orioles need some power, veteran leadership and clutch hits. A healthy O’Neill has the ability to provide all of that.
“I just want to come back to be me,” he said. “I just want to be Tyler O’Neill at the plate, and I’m feeling a lot better now.”
Breadcrumbs from the skipper
Colton Cowser is with the team in Anaheim, but is still far from getting back to game action, according to Hyde.
“He’s just kind of starting out,” Hyde said. “Just very light baseball activities, keeping his legs in shape. Gonna get the arm going pretty soon. He’s still a ways away, but it’s good to see him start some baseball activities.”
Ramón Urías and Jordan Westburg are progressing as well, but Westburg is a bit behind schedule.
“The hammy is still bothering him a little bit, so we had to push him back a couple of days,” Hyde said. “Ramón is doing really well, so we’re hoping after the off-day, at some point soon after the off-day, whether it’s Tuesday or Wednesday, hopefully we’ll have Urías back. Westy is going to be a few days behind him.”
