Jeremy Hellickson is now a member of the Baltimore Orioles. But more on that later. Chris Tillman was ineffective for the Orioles last night in the Texas heat. Tillman’s line: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 2 BB, 6 K.
Texas jumped all over Tillman from the beginning, mainly by putting runners on base. Mazara’s two-RBI double in the first inning gave them an early 2-0 lead. Two innings later they led 4-0 after a two-run homer by Andrus. Needless to say, it wasn’t looking like Tillman’s day.
Beltre’s RBI-single would run the score to 5-0, and he would add a second RBI-single in the fifth. Gomez would add an RBI-single as well, and the Birds trailed 8-0 after five. They would get a solo homer by Schoop in the sixth and an RBI-single by Davis in the eighth, however that was all they could muster in an 8-2 loss.
However it was after the game that we found out the O’s had made some news. They consummated a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies which sent the aforementioned Jeremy Hellickson to the O’s. The Orioles gave up outfielder Hyun-Soo Kim, and minor league pitcher Garret Cleavinger. Philadelphia also got international bonus money, and cash.
On the surface, this appears to be a “ho-hum” type of deal. And odds are it is. Hellickson’s 6-5 on the year with a 4.73 ERA. Now will he be an upgrade from the Jimenez’s or Miley’s of the world? Odds are he will be. However there’s a hidden benefit in this trade as well for the Orioles.
For unknown reasons, Kim fell out of favor with the team in terms of playing time. He’s rode the bench most of the season. So this trade sends him somewhere where first off he can probably get on the field a bit more. However it also gives the O’s some roster flexibility. And that could help them big time.
But I suspect they aren’t done with their moves in advance of Monday’s trade deadline. We know they’ve been looking to potentially deal relievers, and in acquiring an additional starter it’s possible that either Jimenez or Miley is going to end up in the bullpen at some point. Either way, I highly doubt that the Orioles would be going with six starters.
The series in Texas continues tonight. Kevin Gausman heads to the mound for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Austin Bibens-Dirkx. Game time is set for just after 8 PM.
Birdland Crush 