Injuries and Roster Moves for the Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have placed outfielder Tyler O’Neill on the 10-day injured list due to a left shoulder impingement and have designated right-hander Kyle Gibson for assignment. In the corresponding moves, the team has called up outfielder Dylan Carlson and right-hander Kade Strowd from Triple-A.
Tyler O’Neill’s Struggles
O’Neill’s start in Baltimore has been marred by injuries and underwhelming performance. After signing a three-year, $49.5 million free agent deal, he is now on his second stint on the injured list this season. He previously missed time in late April and early May due to neck issues, contributing to his disappointing .188/.280/.325 batting line with just two home runs in 93 plate appearances.
Injury History
Throughout his eight-year MLB career, O’Neill has faced persistent injury challenges, playing over 100 games in only two seasons. His relatively healthy 2024 season with the Red Sox saw him make 473 plate appearances across 113 games, where he batted .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs, despite being placed on the injured list three times.
Ongoing Issues for the Orioles
The Orioles were hopeful when they brought O’Neill on board as the team’s largest off-season acquisition, but his struggles have compounded the frustration amid the team’s challenging 15-29 start. With criticism directed at management for not spending adequately in the off-season, O’Neill’s performance has only intensified the scrutiny.
Kyle Gibson’s Performance
Gibson, who joined the Orioles on a one-year, $5.25 million contract just before the season, has also underperformed. After having his $12 million option declined by the Cardinals, he agreed to start the season in the minors but was called up in late April. Unfortunately, he has posted a 16.78 ERA over four starts, including a challenging outing where he allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning in a recent loss to the Nationals.
Gibson’s Future
Despite being designated for assignment, Gibson’s time in Baltimore may not be over. Since it’s unlikely another team will claim him off waivers, he could accept an outright assignment to Triple-A, giving him more time to recover. He also has enough MLB service time to decline the assignment, thus retaining his salary and becoming a free agent again.
Kade Strowd’s Call-Up
Strowd returns to the Orioles after being called up for the second time in recent weeks without making his Major League debut. Drafted in the 12th round in 2019, Strowd has a 6.99 ERA in his minor league career but has a strikeout rate exceeding 31%. His latest call-up presents an opportunity to solidify his position in the big leagues, especially given the current needs of Baltimore’s pitching staff.
