Baltimore Orioles: August 2015 Top Seven Players

Aug 16, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Jason Garcia (61) pitches during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 18-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Garcia – #6

Jason Garcia is not a name you expected to see here, is it? Before you scoff at this ranking, stick with me and check out the numbers.

Garcia — the Rule 5 Draftee — did indeed get off to a rough start with the Orioles in the spring. It was eventually understood that he had a shoulder problem that sent him out on a long-term rehab.

When Garcia was put on the DL on May 10th, he had pitched in eight games with an ERA of 5.93.  Over 13.2 innings he only gave up 11 hits with a .205 average against, but he also gave up 11 walks. That is the sort of thing only Mitch Williams or Kevin Gregg could do!

But since his return on August 7th, he has pitched in seven games with an ERA of 1.86.  Over 9.2 innings, batters are hitting just .147 and the ball is moving nicely. One can now see why the Orioles are desirous of keeping this young man.

No extra charge for this: He has an on base percentage of 1.000 — having been walked in his one at-bat (by a position player).

Next: #5 is the quiet contributor …