The Orioles announced a series of roster moves prior to tonight’s game, recalling left-hander Keegan Akin, right-hander Beau Sulser and infielder Tyler Nevin. In corresponding moves, righties Joey Krehbiel and Jake Reed were both optioned to Triple-A while infielder Ramón Urías was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right knee sprain.
Urías, 28, was claimed off waivers from the Cardinals in 2020 prior to making his MLB debut with O’s that year. He only got into ten games but had a nice showing in that small sample, hitting .360/.407/.560. He followed that up with 85 games in 2021 with a .279/.361/.412 line. That production was 15% better than league average, according to wRC+, helping Urías produce 1.1 wins above replacement, in the eyes of FanGraphs.
Here in 2022, he’s had a bit of a mercurial season which began with a dismal April. By the end of that month, he was hitting just .194/.239/.224, wRC+ of 33. He then got into a good groove, hitting .245/.293/.491 for a wRC+ of 119 from the start of May until he landed on the IL on June 10 due to an oblique strain. He returned in early July and tore the cover off the ball that month, producing a line of .329/.380/.575, wRC+ of 170. He hit a skid in August to the tune of .221/.262/.368 but then bounced back with a .258/.370/.371 showing in September.
Since there’s only one week left, Urías won’t be able to return in the regular season, meaning he will finish the campaign with a batting line of .248/.305/.414. The resulting 104 wRC+ is a downturn from 2021, but still above average despite multiple injuries. On the other side of the ball, Urías took notable steps forward. He produced eight Outs Above Average in 769 1/3 innings at third base and one OAA at second base in 147 innings. The work at the keystone is especially encouraging since he was below-average prior to this year. Thanks to the improved glovework, he’s amassed 2.7 fWAR in 118 games this year.
Urías will finish the season just beyond two years of MLB service time, meaning he still won’t be arbitration eligible and isn’t slated to reach free agency until after the 2026 season. Rougned Odor is heading into free agency, which could potentially open the door for Urías to become a more regular second baseman, with Jorge Mateo at shortstop, Gunnar Henderson at third and Ryan Mountcastle at first, though it’s also possible the club brings in reinforcements and bumps Urías back into a utility role.
Ramon has been fairly decent hope he comes back next season or in the postseason if they make it in to the wildcard.
Urias has been good on both sides of the ball. A good complimentary affordable piece
For all the pub about the Pirates Ke’Bryan Hayes, Ramón is a better all-around 3B.
Don’t talk stats – watch a half-dozen games.
But watching games is soooo 1989.
Everyone in America is pulling for the Orioles to make the playoffs but their remaining schedule is making it too daunting. No doubt they’ll be better next year with Matt Holliday’s daughter and a few free agent signings. Judge should be considered for DH since he hits well in Camden and has made leaving the Yankees his priority.
Matt Holliday’s son, better known as Jackson, won’t be with the team next year. He’s 18 and literally just got drafted this year. They do have Jordan Westburg and Joseph Ortiz who are both very capable defenders ar 2B and seem to be able to hit.
Sorry Miss Jackson
It is not the schedule, their Bullpen self destructed amd in game decisions, strategy have been awful
Agree. Some of Hyde’s coaching decisions at key moments down the stretch have been very suspect. Too often the batting order looks like he’s trying to lose, and why in the world is Santander playing left field. Should never happen with all the available outfielders.
IF the Yankees dont win the WS, Judge might as well leave, and the O’s wouldn’t be a bad choice. Their future is much brighter than either the Red Sox or the Yanks. Of course, I guess there’s always the Dodgers. .
Ramon is a good utility guy to have around going forward, but not cut out for an every day starter role. The bat doesn’t carry at 3B, but would be more acceptable at SS given his defense. If only Mateo could hit…
Hat tip to you Ramon. Good season. Had a chance at the cycle last night
How are you option to triple A when the season ended yesterday