McDermott Called Up
The Baltimore Orioles called up starting pitcher Chayce McDermott Tuesday night, following a disappointing loss against the Miami Marlins.
McDermott has been a solid pitcher for the AAA Norfolk Tides, where he has spent the entirety of this season. He has pitched in 20 games, giving up 10 home runs, walking 54, and striking out 129. McDermott’s current ERA is 3.96. Opponents are batting .224 against the 25-year old and slugging .375.
On July 15, 2024, McDermott won the International League Pitcher of the Week Award. He has five quality starts with the Tides this season. The right-hander was also part of the Tides combined no-hitter in May 2024, throwing 6.2 innings and striking out 11. Needless to say, he has been an important part of the Tides rotation this year.
McDermott’s Major League debut will be on Wednesday night at 6:40 EST versus the Marlins in game two of the three-game series.
Baker Optioned
Bryan Baker was optioned to the minor leagues as a corresponding move with McDermott’s promotion. The reliever currently has a 1-1 record in the 2024 season, with an ERA of 4.32 and 13 strikeouts through 16.2 innings pitched. In 2023, his record was 4-3 with a 3.60 ERA. Baker will work to develop in the minor league system to earn a spot back in the Orioles’ bullpen.
Heasley DFA’d
Right-handed pitcher Jonathan Heasley was designated for assignment Tuesday night. This was announced along with the Baker and McDermott announcement. Heasley last pitched for the Orioles on May 23, 2024, against the Chicago White Sox. Through one inning pitched, he gave up 2 hits, 4 earned runs, and walked 2. Overall, Heasley’s record with the Orioles in 2024 is 0-1. He has pitched in 4 games and 5.1 innings, giving up 10 hits and 10 earned runs. His ERA is a whopping 16.88.
Heasley has been more solid in the minor leagues. He has pitched in 10 games and 30.2 innings for the Norfolk Tides, with an ERA of 2.64 and a record of 0-1. The Orioles have a week to trade Heasley or for a team to claim him off waivers.
The Orioles are continuing to develop their pitching in the hopes of a long playoff run this October. Fans anxiously await the decisions of the front office as the trade deadline approaches. All are hoping for trades that will give the Orioles a chance of a World Series Ring this year. Hopefully, these moves will move the team closer to this goal.
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