BALTIMORE—Taylor Ward had an outstanding start to his season. Through April 30th, he was hitting .304 with an .881 OPS. Ward had a .438 on-base percentage. He also had 13 doubles, a homer and 11 RBIs.
Entering Wednesday’s game, Ward, who’s leading off and playing left field against the Tampa Bay Rays, is batting .173 in May. While he has a .340 on-base percentage, his OPS this month is just .574 with a home run and five RBIs.
“I’m expecting Taylor Ward to be Taylor Ward,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “His at-bat quality has been outstanding. I don’t want him to change anything, what he’s doing. I would love you to ask that question next month, about how June went. It would be interesting to see.
“With Ward, his process, his at-bat quality, how he doesn’t give any at-bats away. That’s the biggest indicator of future success for a hitter and that’s something I’ll bet on with Taylor Ward.”
Beavers update
Outfielder Dylan Beavers, who’s been on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique since May 11th, began his hitting progression in Sarasota on Tuesday, Albernaz said.
“It was one session. I’m sure it went well,” he said. “He came out clean. It’s always good news.”
Notes: Chris Bassitt, Trevor Rogers, Brandon Young and Kyle Bradish are scheduled to start for the Orioles in the four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays that begins Thursday night. Sunday’s game will begin at 12:15 p.m. and will be shown exclusively on NBC Sports Network and Peacock … Coby Mayo is back in the lineup. He hasn’t played in the last four games because of lower back discomfort.
What’s going on in the minor leagues? Anderson De Los Santos had four hits and drove in two runs, Aron Estrada drove in three runs as Double-A Chesapeake beat Erie, 9-2.
Boston Bateman allowed two runs, one unearned, on two hits in five innings, striking out seven in High-A Frederick’s 5-4 loss to Jersey Shore.
O’s-Rays lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-LF
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Adley Rutschman-C
Pete Alonso-1B
Coby Mayo-DH
Leody Taveras-CF
Tyler O’Neill-RF
Blaze Alexander-3B
Jeremiah Jackson-2B
Trey Gibson-RHP
Rays
Chandler Simpson-LF
Junior Caminero-3B
Jonathan Aranda-1B
Yandy Diaz-DH
Richie Palacios-2B
Ryan Vilade-RF
Cedric Mullins-CF
Carson Williams-SS
Hunter Feduccia-C
Steven Matz-LHP
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