EP 37: Wells hits the IL, and a Cowser/Hays breakdown

·42 min·4 clips

Orioles starter Tyler Wells heads to the injured list with elbow inflammation amid a league-wide pitching crisis.

The episode opens with hosts Brendan Mortensen and Matt Bonaparte at Oriole Park, noting the rain and the Orioles' pursuit of a sweep against the Twins. They immediately address injury news: starter Tyler Wells is headed to the injured list with elbow inflammation, described as a cautionary move but concerning given league-wide pitching injuries. Albert Suarez is called up to start, seen as a temporary solution until John Means returns from rehab. The hosts debate whether top pitching prospects like Cade Povich should be promoted, concluding the Orioles are prioritizing his development in Triple-A. They shift to offense, starting with Colton Cowser, who is hitting .405 with a 1.200 OPS, earning an everyday role and displacing Austin Hays. Hays is slumping with a .077 average, attributed to illness and bad luck, but the hosts expect him to rebound. Jackson Holliday's early struggles are discussed, with only one hit in 22 at-bats, but the hosts emphasize his composure and the lack of mistake pitches he's seen. Ryan O'Hearn's hot streak is highlighted, with home runs in three straight games and a .342 average, showcasing the Orioles' ability to find value in overlooked players. Jordan Westberg's breakout is detailed, with a .462 average and four home runs, showing unexpected power. Gunnar Henderson's elite exit velocity and Cedric Mullins' spectacular catch are mentioned. The hosts note the Orioles' depth and offensive firepower, with the team scoring 100 runs early in the season. They conclude by looking ahead to reinforcements from Means and Kyle Bradish, positioning the Orioles for another AL East run.

As heard by us

A calm Orioles depth check puts injury news, slumps, and a rookie's rough start in practical perspective.

Tyler Wells's injury gives the Orioles another rotation concern, though the club's depth keeps the outlook from feeling bleak. The discussion soon shifts to a scorching offense, Jordan Westburg's underappreciated work, and an outfield being reshaped by Colton Cowser's surge and…

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Why you'd press play

You'll leave with a calmer read on Wells, Cowser, Hays and Holliday.

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