Good Morning Birdland,

Welp, if you were hoping the Orioles would go on a 10-game winning streak right out of the break to convince Mike Elias to buy at the deadline, last night’s game was a big ‘ol disappointment.

Charlie Morton looked like the April version of himself. Grant Wolfram was no better out of the bullpen. And the lineup did next to nothing. But shoutout to Gunnar Henderson (2-for-4, double, triple) and Colton Cowser (3-for-3, walk) for showing a little energy at the plate.

Of course, one game is not shifting the Orioles postseason outlook much. But after the all-star break gave us some time to delude ourselves into thinking a miracle could happen, this was an immediate reminder that this team just does not have the juice to get back into the playoff discussion.

That’s OK. In fact, it might even be the preferred outcome at this point. The front office added tons of young talent to the organization via the draft earlier in the week. And with each passing day it seems like they will do the same at the trade deadline.

That doesn’t make the remaining games pointless. In fact, the Orioles still have plenty to learn at the major league level this year, particularly on the pitching side of things. But we can lower our expectations accordingly.

Links

Rodriguez suffers another setback (right elbow discomfort) | MLB.com
It is coming up on a year since Grayson Rodriguez pitched in a major league game. His exact issue has changed a few times. Originally, it was discomfort in his right lat/teres. Back in March he reported triceps soreness. Then it was elbow inflammation. In April, the shoulder was bothering him. In June, he told the media that his elbow was good to go. And now, here we are. In all likelihood, we will not be seeing him pitch in 2025, and now 2026 feels like it is doubt.

Orioles Sign First-Round Pick Ike Irish | MLB Trade Rumors
It’s nice to get this done early. The deal is only $2,500 underslot, so the team will be looking elsewhere to save money and (presumably) give it to Slater de Brun and Jaiden Lo Re, the two higher schoolers that they took in the top 10 rounds.

Leftovers for breakfast | Roch Kubatko
Roch gets into the topic of Coby Mayo being on the roster but not playing much. That probably changes in August. Ryan O’Hearn is going to get dealt, along with some other veterans. That will open up at-bats, and Mayo should benefit. How the youngster plays is one of those things that the Orioles need to learn in the season’s final two months. Can they count on him as the first baseman? If so, that makes Ryan Mountcastle available during the offseason.

Jon Meoli: Why the next few weeks — and beyond — are pivotal for Mike Elias and the Orioles | The Baltimore Banner
This is a crucial trade deadline for Elias. He has quite a few trade chips. Hopefully he is able to net a few pieces that help the Orioles return to winning next year. That could be in the form of a fringy prospect that plays in Baltimore in 2026, or could be younger players that the team can flip in the next year for their own playoff push.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

David Segui turns 59 today. The journeyman started and ended his career with the Orioles. His first stint lasted from 1990 through ‘93, and then he returned from 2001 through ‘04.

Dan Graham is 71 years old. He spent parts of two seasons with the Orioles from 1980 to ‘81.
The late Billy Gardner (b. 1927, d. 2024) was born on this day. From 1957 throught ‘59 he played all over the infield for the Orioles.

This day in history

1991 – Cal Ripken Jr. goes deep for the 20th time on the season. He becomes the eighth player in MLB history to reach that mark in each of his first ten big league seasons

1994 – A game between the Orioles and Mariners in Seattle is postponded after four wood-fiber tiles fall from the ceiling of the Kingdome. Further inspection reveals that there are many more water-damaged tiles that need to be replaced before baseball can be resumed.