Welcome to the Orioles Minor League Roundup. This will hopefully be a weekly feature where I highlight one player from each minor league level who either has had a solid season overall or simply a hot week. We need a little hope in the midst of this 50 win season of ours.
Low A Delmarva Shorebirds: LHP Drew Rom
A fourth round pick in the 2018 draft, Rom has rather quietly put together a very impressive season as part of the Delmarva's starting rotation. In 9 games (7 starts) the lefty has posted an ERA of 1.49 and struck out 55 in 42.1 innings. Featuring a low 90's fastball, slider, and above average change up, Rom added to his impressive season this week by going five innings against the Greenville Drive while striking out six and giving up just a single earned run.
High A Frederick Keys: RHP Michael Baumann
Baumann dominated the Potomac Nationals this week, throwing six shutout innings, striking out six, and scattering four hits. While his ERA this year sits at a respectable 3.23, he has racked up the K's, striking out 61 batters in just 39 innings. With a ceiling of a third starter Baumann features four pitches: a mid 90's fastball with movement, a slider, a curveball, and an improving change-up.
AA Bowie Baysox: RF Austin Hays
After a scorching hot spring training, Austin Hays was demoted to minor league camp where he suffered a thumb injury. After nearly two months of rehab the Orioles number four prospect seems to have found his stroke at the plate. In the last 10 games, he has hit .302 with three homers and raised his season OPS to .858. If he continues at his current pace, Hays may force the Orioles to make a move especially with the big league club's struggle with outfield defense.
AAA Norfolk Tides: C Chance Sisco
Another player who was demoted after a solid showing in spring training, Sisco got off to a slow start at Norfolk. In the last 10 games, however, has hit nearly .400 with three homers, raising his season slash line to .296/.389/.541. While the catcher has been streaky with the bat this spring, he is currently on fire. If Austin Wynns continues to struggle at the plate, look for Sisco to receive a promotion to the major leagues in the coming weeks.
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