AL East Round Up: Happy Returns Edition

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Orioles

The O’s are 6-4 over their last 10 games. It would appear that the series against the Blue Jays a while ago has woken them up. You’re Welcome! Perhaps the biggest news is that the Orioles got their superstar, Manny Machado back! Chris Davis is making progress in his attempt to return to the lineup. As well, Steve Pearce may actually be a bit of a metaphor for the Orioles season.

To say that the Orioles may have gotten a boost by the return of Manny Machado is an understatement. He’s a Gold Glove caliber third baseman and can be an offensive force…and he’s just 21! Since his return, he’s only managed 13 at bats and 1 hit. While it’ll take time to get in top game shape at the plate, Machado’s presence alone is enough to help the team.

According to Brittany Ghiroli at MLB.com Davis is making progress in trying to return from his oblique injury. He’s received PRP injections (platelet rich plasma) and has been working with trainers. He is eligible to come off the DL on May 11. When he does come back, this offense may just be able to overtake the AL East on its own.

Steve Pearce is an interesting story. He was designated for assignment, released, claimed by another team, which he rejected only to sign with the Orioles again. According to MLBTR.com, the team to claim him was none other than the Blue Jays. Perhaps Pearce decided to take advantage of the injury to Davis and stay with the Orioles. Regardless of the thought behind the moves, his situation may actually be a bit of a metaphor for the O’s season. He was forced into a situation where he was passed up, another team decided to take a chance on him and the O’s changed their mind. I think this just shows that we’re all judging the O’s to be good, but not good enough. We’re passing over them. They are going to keep fighting and probably continue to climb the AL East standings.