With Opening Day less than a month away, we’ll take a look at a member of the 2016 Orioles every day as they try to return to the playoffs for the third time in five years this season.
March 1 – Adam Jones
March 2 – Chris Tillman
March 3 – Jonathan Schoop
March 4 – Brad Brach
March 5 – Nolan Reimold
March 6 – Yovani Gallardo
March 7 – Matt Wieters
March 8 – T.J. McFarland
March 9 – Dariel Alvarez
March 10 – Brian Matusz
March 11 – J.J. Hardy
RP Mychal Givens
Age: 25
Contract status: Under club control through the 2021 season
2015 stats: 2-0, 0 saves, 1.80 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 11.4 K/IP, 1.8 BB/IP, 1 HR, 30 innings
Why to be impressed: Whether talking about his performance at Double-A Bowie or his first 22 major league appearances, the onetime shortstop couldn’t have been much better in 2015 with his unorthodox delivery and impressive stuff. Givens held right-handed hitters to a .527 on-base plus slugging percentage while lefties weren’t much better with a .555 mark.
Why to be concerned: The sky appears to be the limit for the right-hander, but Givens is only entering his fourth professional season as a pitcher and struggled with his control prior to 2015. You also never know how Givens will respond to pitching in more high-leverage situations, especially with teams now having more extensive scouting reports on what he can do.
2016 outlook: The Orioles essentially slid Givens into Tommy Hunter’s role when the veteran was traded last July, but his talent suggests he could spell Darren O’Day or even Zach Britton when they need to rest. However, the fact that Givens has minor-league options could result in him occasionally being sent to Triple-A Norfolk if the Orioles need a fresh arm over the course of the season.
2016 not-so-scientific projections: 5-4, 3 saves, 3.14 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 10.1 K/IP, 2.3 BB/IP, 4 HR, 64 innings
