The Orioles knew the risks when they signed Tyler O’Neill.
Only once in his career had the veteran outfielder played a full season, arriving in Baltimore on a three-year, $49.5 million deal this offseason with 14 trips to the injured list on his record. O’Neill’s power was undeniable — he mashed 31 home runs in only 113 games last year — but the Orioles acquired him understanding that he wasn’t going to play all 162.
So far, those risks have proven to be legitimate concerns. O’Neill, 30, has returned to the IL twice with separate neck and shoulder injuries in his first season with the Orioles, limiting him to 36 games in which he’s slashed .211/.298/.398 with just five homers and 15 RBIs.
With Baltimore (46-58) already beginning to act like sellers ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, O’Neill has been among the most disappointing players on the roster this year.
“It’s been a grind, man,” O’Neill said. “It hasn’t been easy. Obviously, I’ve been injured a lot and just trying to fight my way back and figure out that routine in the cage and the prep and all that stuff. So, hopefully I’m figuring out that click now and can continue forward.
“Unfortunately, I have been dealt with the injury bug this year. Obviously, I’m doing what I have to do to make those adaptations and get myself ready on a day-to-day basis, and there’s something new every year. There’s something new every day, honestly. Just trying to keep the progress.”
Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun’s website.