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Baltimore Orioles: Late-inning bullpen options in Minor Leagues

By Nate Wardle

May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brad Brach (35) throws to the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brad Brach (35) throws to the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 8, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Mike Wright (59) pitches during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Mike Wright (59) pitches during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The first is Mike Wright. Now, before you get upset, think about this.

No, the major league numbers don’t look good. He has a career ERA of 5.88 in the majors.

However, he has a better ERA in AAA and has always been a starter. Wright is clearly not a major league starter. So, why not try him as a closer in the minor leagues and see if his stuff plays. He likely would be able to throw in the upper 90s, and only working to a few batters might help him. However, the issues with Wright have always appeared to be mental hurdles, and I’m not sure giving him the pressure of closing would play well. But, as a one inning middle or late reliever, he might be successful. It worked with Britton.

Now, the Norfolk Tides can’t just move Wright to closer. Because they have a guy, who is knocking on the door of the major leagues right now closing for Norfolk.

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