Despite many highly touted names, the Orioles have struggled offensively in the second half, causing their poor record since the break.
Solutions To The Orioles Offensive Woes
The Baltimore Orioles had a strong first half, finishing with a 58-38 record. However, since the All-Star break, they are just 24-25, mainly because of their offense’s struggles. Since the break, the Orioles have a team batting average of just .244, putting them in the league’s bottom half. Their struggles have been placed in the spotlight recently, as they have scored just seven runs in their past 4 games as of September 10. Also, it is bad timing for an offensive slump due to the many pitcher injuries the Orioles have suffered.
Let’s look at possible solutions that may help fix the Orioles offense.
Keep Cedric Mullins High In The Order
Starting Monday night, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde moved Cedric Mullins to the second spot in the lineup. That change is due to Mullins excellent performance during the second half. Since the All-Star break, Mullins has hit .278, drove in 16 runs, and played outstanding defense as always.
He was one of the best players for the Orioles during the second half and deservingly moved up in the order. As a veteran player on a young team, Mullins stepping up can greatly influence his teammates. If he continues to play well, his leadership can help will the team to a possible division title.
Play Colton Cowser Less And Austin Slater More
Although he is the leading candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, Colton Cowser has had a rough couple of weeks. Over the past 10 days, Cowser is hitting just .168 and has just 2 RBIs. The Orioles need someone who hits in the middle of the order to drive in runs, and Cowser has not done that. Cowser is hitting just .212 on the season with runners in scoring position. That may suggest he either needs a new spot in the order or to be benched.
Austin Slater, acquired by the Orioles at the trade deadline, has been a very solid addition. He has slashed .260/.373/.380 with the Orioles and has been a very solid defender. Over the last month, Slater has shown he is a better option than Cowser. Slater has a .286 batting average with RISP. Also, despite being labeled as a left-handed pitching specialist, Slater has shown he can hit both southpaws and right-handers.
Overall, Slater has shown he is just as good of an option as Cower, if not better. Recently, Slater has done everything Cowser has done and then some. Brandon Hyde needs to move away from his preconceived notions and look at the recent stats, which show Slater needs more time.
The Stars Have To Perform
If the Orioles want to win the American League East, they need their All-Stars to step up. Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Anthony Santander have all struggled at some point during the second half. They need these guys to step up for the Orioles offense to produce. They are the heart and soul of the Orioles offense, and their poor performance reflects on the entire lineup. Essentially, the Orioles will ride and die with these guys. At this point in the season, it’s hard to justify taking them out of the lineup, but the Orioles should think about resting their All-Stars a little more often. A little bit of extra rest could go a long way heading down the stretch and into the playoffs.
If the Orioles make these adjustments and their stars get their act together, they will become a serious threat in the AL. But until then, the Orioles will continue to struggle and fall farther in the standings.
