The Baltimore Orioles can win a World Series this year. John Means and DL Hall may be the answer.
John Means will return to the club in September. He is currently trying rehabbing from his Tommy John Surgery he received last year. John Means and more importantly a fresh arm is exactly what this Orioles Pitching staff needs right now.
Tyler Wells has already surpassed his innings from last year.
The Baltimore Bullpen is also taxed. Yennier Cano’s arm slot has lowered, something Ben McDonald said could be from his arm getting tired. Much of the rest of the bullpen could also be tired by the stretch run.
What decisions do the Orioles make?
Move John Means and DL Hall to the bullpen.
John Means instantly becomes a solid back end piece with his electric arm talent. A move to the bullpen solves many of the Orioles issues.
Means is aiming for a September return, but after having the past 15 months off it may take him a while to get stretched out far enough to rejoin the starting rotation. Also, the Orioles currently have six starters vying for five spots in the rotation, since Cole Irvin has been moved to the bullpen.
Adding John Means back would mean the number of starting pitchers increase to seven, but a move to the bullpen helps give what the Orioles really need, fresh arms for the later innings.
Means wouldn't be the only pitcher the bullpen could add. DL Hall is back throwing again for the Orioles in Florida.
He would be another powerful lefty that could boost the Orioles bullpen.
Although the Orioles have said the view DL Hall as a starting pitcher, that viewpoint may be coming to an end, at least maybe for the rest of the year.
Hall has struggled this year, and lost some velocity. He was sent to Florida to try to gain some velocity back.
Moving Hall to the bullpen for the stretch run adds another fresh arm and keeps the starting rotation intact. He already has bullpen experience as he was added last year for the large part of September.
The Orioles may not have to look outside the organization for new bullpen arms. The answer may already be in the organization.
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