Should you be optimistic about the Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: No offense, Rich, but you are delusional if you don’t think the Orioles’ results through the end of April are disheartening. The pitching staff is in disarray. The injuries are once again mounting this year. The offense is colder than the Polar Bear’s toes and our strikeout level is the only record-breaking statistic. The O’s look pathetic to me and this is the easy part of our 2026 schedule. Please clarify what you see that heartens you as we head into May. From: Glenn Fuller, Laurel, Maryland

Answer: Glenn, I wouldn’t be disheartened simply because the Orioles’ record is within a game or two of a large number of American League teams.

While there have been lots of injuries, I wouldn’t say the pitching staff is in disarray. They haven’t performed up to their capabilities, nor has the offense. The team has struck out a lot. Entering Wednesday’s games, they’re ninth in the major leagues, but the Yankees, who have more strikeouts than the Orioles, have the best record in the American League.

The reason for optimism is that the team has been so inconsistent, and their record is close to other AL teams.

I’m not saying that the Orioles will qualify for the postseason, but I think they have the ability to play at that level. Let’s check back at the end of May and see where they are.

Question: Do the Orioles have anybody who throws batting practice left-handed? After watching them against the Cleveland left-hander Parker Messick, they look like they had never seen a southpaw for 8 innings . I think on days that they face a lefty, it would be good to have batting practice against a left-handed pitcher if possible. From: Ricky Templeton

Answer: Ricky, the Orioles have had a left-handed batting practice pitcher, Ruben Francisco, for many years. Francisco, a one-time outfielder in the Orioles’ farm system, isn’t there to fool hitters. Like other batting practice pitchers, they’re there to allow hitters to get into a good rhythm for hitting in a game.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.