Baltimore Orioles: Are Roster Moves Sign of Things to Come?

The Baltimore Orioles made several roster moves on Friday, and one has to wonder what those moves could mean for the rest of the season.

Following Richard Bleier‘s injury, the Baltimore Orioles were going to make a roster move Friday.

Most expected that move would be to recall either Tanner Scott or Donnie Hart since either was eligible since they were replacing an injured player.

Scott was recalled, and that is the right move.

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This is a future back-end-of-the-bullpen pitcher, and the Orioles need to find out if he can be a closer, or if he is a situational guy. One thing they have discovered this year is that he is a major leaguer.

The other move offers a lot more intrigue.

The Orioles optioned Yefry Ramirez back to Triple-A Norfolk and selected from Bowie the contract of Corban Joseph.

No, that isn’t a typo. Not Caleb. Corban.

Joseph has only played two games in the major leagues, both coming in a doubleheader in 2013 while a member of the New York Yankees, the team that drafted the left-handed hitter fourth overall in the draft.

Joseph placed one game at first base and one game at second base in that doubleheader.

And that is what adds intrigue to this move.

The Orioles have players who are clearly struggling at first base and second base in Chris Davis and Jonathan Schoop.

Now, I don’t think they will bench Schoop, because he is part of the future of this team. And, you can only hide Davis for so long before you have to either release him, try to send him down, just let him set a record for futility, etc.

Joseph has played first base, second base and third base this year for the Baysox. He has started 18 games at first, 22 at second and two at second base.

In his career, he has started 678 games at second base, 48 at first and 47 at third, with two in left field as well.

Interestingly, the Orioles’ lineup has Joseph leading off and playing first base.

Joseph will be wearing the number last worn (I believe) by former Oriole Henry Urrutia Jr.

But, why Joseph?

Well, he is hitting .336/.394/.550 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, 21 doubles, 35 runs scored for the Baysox in 59 games. Each of those stats, except for runs scored, leads the Baysox.

Joseph has the third best batting average in the Eastern League, and first, on the list, you may have heard of, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Joseph leads the EL in doubles and is top 10 in many other categories.

Now, the question will be, is this the case of an older player getting the best of young competition, as Joseph is 29, over four years older than the average Eastern League player? Or has Joseph figured something out?

for a team that is lost, it doesn’t hurt to take stock in what you have in the minor leagues that can help you moving forward.

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Another important point with Joseph is that he only has one error this season for the Baysox. The Baltimore Orioles want to play good defense, and he looks like he provides an option for them.

Good luck Corban, and Go O’s!