The Baltimore Orioles have once again demonstrated their commitment to thorough talent evaluation by signing former New York Yankees third baseman J.D. Davis to a minor league contract. This move is a part of the team’s ongoing strategy to bolster their roster depth, particularly after recent injuries and performance concerns. The announcement of Davis joining the Orioles’ organization was initially reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Davis, who is 31 years old, began the 2024 season with the Oakland Athletics, signing a one-year deal worth $2.5 million in March. However, his tenure with the Athletics was short-lived as he was traded to the Yankees in June. His performance with New York was less than stellar; he participated in just seven games, managing a modest batting average of .105 (2-for-19). Consequently, Davis was designated for assignment by the Yankees at the end of July and subsequently waived in early August.
In a bid to add depth to their roster, particularly at the third base position following Jordan Westburg’s injury, the Orioles have brought Davis into their Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides. Davis’s career MLB statistics show a .257 batting average with a .340 on-base percentage and a .425 slugging percentage across eight seasons. His resume includes 72 career home runs, and he notably hit 18 home runs last year while playing for the San Francisco Giants.
The timing of Davis’s arrival coincides with struggles faced by Orioles rookie Coby Mayo, who was called up to the majors as a replacement for Westburg. Mayo, who was promoted due to Westburg’s fractured hand, has had a challenging start to his MLB career. In his first four games, Mayo has gone 0-for-10. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has advised Mayo to concentrate on quality at-bats, acknowledging the difficulty of transitioning to the major leagues.
Hyde provided some insight into Mayo’s situation during a press conference on August 4. He emphasized the challenge of adapting to the big leagues and stressed the importance of taking good at-bats. On August 6, Hyde gave Mayo another chance to make an impact by pinching him in a critical situation with the bases loaded against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Unfortunately, Mayo struck out, which did not help the Orioles, who were trailing 5-2 at the time. Hyde’s decision to pinch-hit Mayo in this high-pressure scenario was a calculated risk, but it did not pay off. Hyde later commented on the situation, noting the decision to use Austin Slater, who has been effective against left-handed pitchers this season, and the outcome of the at-bat.
The Orioles have shown a willingness to send their top prospects back to the minor leagues after brief stints in the majors. This approach allows players like Mayo to gain further experience and make necessary adjustments before returning to the big leagues. Given Mayo’s current struggles, it is possible that he may be sent back to the minors, especially with a seasoned MLB bat like J.D. Davis waiting in the wings.
In addition to the roster adjustments, the Orioles’ pitching staff has also faced challenges. On August 6, Grayson Rodriguez, one of the team’s starting pitchers, was unexpectedly scratched from his scheduled start against the Blue Jays. This development further complicates the Orioles’ pitching situation as they navigate the season.
Overall, the Orioles are actively seeking solutions to strengthen their lineup and pitching staff amidst these challenges. The signing of J.D. Davis represents a strategic move to add depth and experience to their minor league system, while the team continues to manage the development and performance of their young prospects and address pitching setbacks.
