The Baltimore Orioles trade deadline decisions in 2022 caused some consternation throughout the clubhouse.
Long time Orioles’ first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini was sent away at the deadline. Closer Jorge Lopez was also traded, a move that was extremely unpopular in the locker room. In fact, general manager Mike Elias had to head down to Houston and have a meeting with their present and future core, letting them know that he believes in them.
Jorge Lopez providing insurance for Baltimore Orioles
The Lopez trade has paid dividends this season as Yennier Cano has emerged as a dominant reliever in his own right. That deal looks even better now as the Orioles have brought Lopez back, claiming him off of waivers from the Marlins. His signing should provide some protection for the bullpen as Felix Bautista landed on the Injured List with a UCL injury.
Lopez had found success in the Orioles bullpen back in 2022. He was an All Star, posting a dominant 1.68 ERA and a 0.972 WHiP over his 48.1 innings in Baltimore. He notched 19 saves, striking out 54 batters with 17 walks before being traded. However, he was unable to maintain that level of performance as he struggled with the Twins.
Those struggles continued this season. Lopez has posted a combined 6.13 ERA and a 1.574 WHiP over his 48 innings between the Twins and Marlins, striking out 35 batters with 20 walks. He is essentially the same pitcher he had been throughout his career. But it is possible that the Orioles can find a way to get him back on track and become a weapon. After all, they already figured out how to do that once before.
Jorge Lopez is back with the Baltimore Orioles. Maybe they can get him figured out and ready to dominate once again.
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