James McCann The New York Mets are paying James McCann millions this season to not play for them, but on August 20, McCann’s two-run homer helped the Baltimore Orioles defeat his former team. McCann launched a 90 mph sinker from Jose Quintana 408 feet into the second deck during the top of the fourth inning, driving in two runs.
This was McCann’s third encounter with the Mets since they signed him to a four-year, $40.6 million contract in 2021. After a challenging two-year stint with New York, McCann was traded to the Orioles along with $19 million in cash.
Reflecting on his return to Citi Field, McCann admitted he was uncertain about how the experience would unfold. “I didn’t know what to expect coming back here,” McCann shared with reporters. “I have fond memories of my time here. My family enjoyed it, though my personal tenure didn’t go as I had hoped. I’m at peace with it now.
McCann acknowledged that while he wished things had gone differently, he has accepted the outcome. “Things didn’t turn out as I anticipated,” he said. “I’m at peace with it. I trust in the plan that’s been laid out. Of course, I wish it could have been different, but it wasn’t, and there’s nothing more to be done about it.”
Currently, McCann is hitting .226/.277/.339 this season with four home runs and 19 RBIs, and he is 3-0 against the Mets as an Oriole.
Orioles’ manager Brandon Hyde praised McCann’s homer, noting the extra significance of hitting against a former team. “Facing a former team always adds something extra,” Hyde remarked. “That home run was a beautiful swing and a crucial hit for us.”
Hyde also highlighted the performance of Baltimore’s starting pitcher, Dean Kremer, who threw six innings of one-run ball. “Kremer’s outing was enormous,” Hyde said. “He was in complete control, mixing pitches well and showcasing his fastball, two-seamer, cutter, and curveball. It was an exceptional performance.”
This win marks Kremer’s second consecutive quality start, improving his record to 6-9 with a 4.30 ERA.
In roster news, the Orioles made changes before their win over the Mets, placing Zach Eflin on the 15-day Injured List due to right shoulder inflammation. Eflin, who has been the Orioles’ top starter since the trade deadline, has remained undefeated in four starts with a 2.13 ERA and 25 strikeouts.
Hyde is hopeful that Eflin’s absence will be brief. “We’re optimistic that he’ll miss minimal time,” Hyde said. “It’s a significant loss since he’s pitched so well for us, but we hope to have him back in September.”
With Eflin out, Cole Irvin will return to the majors. Irvin, who was optioned to Triple-A after the trade deadline, will start the series finale against the Mets on August 21. Earlier this season, Irvin appeared in 21 games for the Orioles, including 14 starts, with a 4.85 ERA and a 6-5 record.
