We are so close to the end of August, which means it’s time to discuss the possible Orioles September call-ups for 2024.
Before we talk players, let’s discuss what a September call-up is for those who might be new to the game of baseball or didn’t already know. On September 1, each team’s active roster expands from a 26-man roster to a 28-man roster, giving clubs a bit of extra flexibility for the stretch run.
The last few years, we saw prospects be the main attraction of the call-ups, with Gunnar Henderson making his MLB debut on August 31 in 2022 and Heston Kjerstad making his MLB debut on September 14 in 2023. When looking at the 40-man roster, we have conducted four players who make the most sense to be the 2024 September call-ups.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
COBY MAYO
This is maybe one of the most obvious decisions when it comes to the situation at hand. Most believe Coby Mayo was supposed to make his big league debut in September, but due to injuries and other things happening in a negative way, it pushed his MLB debut forward.
Mayo makes the most sense, as the infield just seems to keep having injury issue after injury issue. It’s becoming clear that Jorge Mateo is finished for the year with his dislocated elbow, and there is still no set time table on Jordan Westburg. You throw in the recent injury to Ryan Mountcastle, and it just overall hurts the team. Mayo could really be an asset to this team at this current time.
Mayo was most likely put in a Jackson Holliday situation, where he was rushed and the pressure most likely slowed him down. There is a good chance that Mayo can come back up and be the Norfolk Mayo who hits home runs and makes nice plays at the hot corner.
BLAKE HUNT
The only other way I can see the Orioles going position-player-wise is running a third catcher. Blake Hunt is the only other position player on the 40-man not named Coby Mayo that is either not injured or not already on the 40-man roster.
If manager Brandon Hyde wanted to, he could get a little crazy and sit James McCann for a game and let Hunt be the catcher for a day that Adley Rutschman is DHing. Another thing would be using Hunt as a possible pinch hitter or runner for McCann.
Hunt has also played some first base in his past, so he could be a defensive replacement if needed. If he is the choice by the front office, it’s mainly to get both Rutschman and/or McCann off their feet a bit before the postseason.
COLIN SELBY
The opposite side of the game would be adding more to the bullpen. That starts with adding someone like Colin Selby, who we have already seen in the majors and was looking really solid as a sixth or seventh inning guy for the Birds.
With a Jacob Webb rehab stint in Norfolk in the horizon, it wouldn’t hurt to add Selby to the bullpen and gave him spots where Webb would normally be used until he is back to full health and is ready for the postseason.
Also, adding Selby would help for times when bullpen games are needed either for resting a starter or just for a bad start that happens. He made a very good impression in his two games pitched in Queens against the New York Mets.
BRYAN BAKER
Bryan Baker, who is called “The Out-Maker” by some, would be a an asset to the bullpen for a few different reasons.
Baker is a guy who pitches with passion, and when he’s hyped up, it’s like lighting a fire in the team. And when he’s on, he get pick up some big strikeouts.
He’s also someone who can be trusted to go two innings in relief and who generally can work around runners on-base. He knows this team, and he’s familiar with the team’s goal heading into October.
Honorable Mentions: Trevor Rogers, Dillon Tate, Brandon Young, J.D. Davis, Daniel Johnson, Niko Goodrum (Everyone except Rogers and Tate would have to be added to the 40-man roster)
Who do you see being a September call-up for the Orioles this season? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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