Baltimore Orioles: 6 unsung players playing vital roles in 2017
By Nate Wardle
The Baltimore Orioles are back in contention due in large part to the play of the core of their team, but several players considered on the fringe of their roster have made outstanding contributions.
The Baltimore Orioles are on a winning streak, buoyed by the hitting of Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop, Adam Jones and pitching from their key bullpen pieces, Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.
No surprises there, right? However, those valued players have not been the only key contributors to the Baltimore Orioles’ success, both recently and at other times throughout the season.
The Orioles have become known as a team that will take players who maybe need another chance and gives it to them.
Names that come to mind over the Dan Duquette era include Jason Hammel, Nelson Cruz, Chris Davis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Nate McLouth, Pedro Alvarez and most recently, Tim Beckham among many others.
Some of these moves worked well. Some of them were helpful. Others bombed.
However, it is safe to assume that the Orioles would not be in the position they are in now without some of the under-the-radar moves.