Baltimore Orioles: 6 unsung players playing vital roles in 2017

3. Richard Bleier, LHP

Let’s not forget about another reliever who was acquired before the start of the season, this one a left-hander.

A commonality here, Richard Bleier was acquired on Feb. 21, 2017, from the New York Yankees for a player to be named later or cash, as Bleier was designated off the Yankees’ roster.

Bleier has spent much of the year in Baltimore, pitching in 44 games to a 1.76 ERA in 51 innings with a WHIP of 1.24. What may be even harder to believe is that Bleier’s numbers aren’t far off from what he did in limited appearances for the Yankees last year.

Bleier has been the Baltimore Orioles’ gain for sure. In June, he appeared in 12 games over 12 innings, allowing two runs. In July, he appeared in nine games over 14.2 innings, allowing three runs.

But August is where Bleier has done most of his work.  He has appeared in 14 games over 11.2 innings, allowing three runs over that time. The Orioles are 17-27 in his games, but 8-6 in Aug. Furthermore, his last five outings has resulted in an Orioles victory.

Bleier being a left-hander has been valuable with the issues that Zach Britton has dealt with through the season.