Welcome to another edition of Battery Q&A! We would like to say thank you to our Battery Family for sending in questions to make this series possible!
Let’s get right into it!
I have a question about Hunter Harvey! I saw that he threw 100 mph in a game. But because of the fact that he underwent elbow surgery in the past, I am a bit curious that he can stay in good condition during the season. Also, I wonder if he can be our future closer! – from Philip Yang
Hello to you, Philip! Thank you for supporting us all the way in South Korea!
You saw correctly. Hunter Harvey has reached over 100 mph on his fastball multiple occasions. That’s what makes him such a valuable, young piece to the Orioles bullpen during this rebuild.
You’re also correct about Harvey having Tommy John surgery back in 2016. The surgery forced Harvey to go from starting games to coming out of the bullpen during the season last year.
But do I think his past will affect his future in any way? I do not.
Harvey is going to be a force to be reckoned with for the Orioles. Appearing in seven games last season, Harvey gave up just one earned run in 6.1 innings, while striking out 11 batters. He also finished the year with a 1.42 ERA.
Harvey got off to a late start this spring due to an illness, but appeared in four games, giving up two earned runs and striking out five in 3.2 innings.
Whenever the season begins, manager Brandon Hyde will look to find what role Harvey will play in the O’s bullpen. I believe he will be the future closer, but I expect him to be in a setup role to start things out.
What position players did you think would make the roster as backups? – from Timothy Stahm
The Orioles had no shortage of players fighting for a utility or bench role for the 2020 season.
Pat Valaika was putting on a show this spring, after being claimed twice by the O’s.
In 11 games, Valaika slashed .333/.379/.704 with three homers and five RBI. He played games all around the diamond, including first, second, shortstop, and the outfield.
Other names like Stevie Wilkerson, Richard Ureña, Andrew Velazquez, and José Rondón fought for a bench position, but with the nasty Coronavirus ending Spring Training early, their chances were cut short.
As I see it currently, I would predict that Pat Valaika, Stevie Wilkerson, José Rondón, DJ Stewart, and Chance Sisco would be the Orioles bench to start the season.
How is Trey’s Recovery and prognosis? – from Karl Kalbach
Trey Mancini is currently in good spirits after having surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his colon.
Manager Brandon Hyde texted Mancini a few days ago to wish him a happy birthday and says that he is uplifting him, which is typical Mancini.
Orioles GM Mike Elias said last week that Mancini is out of the hospital, up and walking around, and doing really well.
Elias also stated that Mancini has more appointments and tests to go through, but he’s very pleased about the outcome of the procedure.
That’s all the information we can provide at this time. Let’s all continue to send our thoughts and prayers to Mancini and his family!
That’s it for this week’s edition of Battery Q&A! If you have a question you want answered, just contact us on our social medias!
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