BALTIMORE—For the fourth straight game, Chris Davis is not in the starting lineup, and manager Brandon Hyde said that he didn’t expect Davis to play as often as he did early in the season.
Davis is batting .179 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs. Since he got into the dugout dispute with Hyde on August 7, he’s just 2-for-16.
When the rosters expand on September 1, playing time might be scarce for Davis.
“There’s people we want to see, and there’s at-bats that we want to give to guys,” Hyde said. “I’m going to continue to pick my spots with CD, and we’ve had conversations about it.
“I don’t think he’s swung the bat this year the way he’s wanted to. I think there’s some adjustments he needs to make, and he’s aware of that, and the bottom line is that we’re going to continue to give some of our younger players some opportunities, especially in this time of year as we go into the offseason.”
Hyde, general manager Mike Elias and Davis have talked about improvements that need to be made.
“We’ve had discussions with him as well as Mike, planning out his offseason, and some things that we want to see him improve on. We’re continuing to have those.”
Hyde indicated that Davis has been receptive.
“He’s been a pro the entire way,” Hyde said. “A hundred percent pro. He understand … He’s been in the dugout supporting our guys. I’ve seen him pull aside a couple of guys when we’ve done some things on the bases that haven’t been appropriate or right.
“He’s done a really nice job. He’s been great in the clubhouse and he’s handled this situation really well.”
Martin scratched: Shortstop Richie Martin, who was in the original starting lineup, was scratched with an injured left hand. He hurt it sliding into first base in the fourth inning on Wednesday night against Kansas City.
Trumbo getting ready for rehab: Mark Trumbo believes he’ll be ready to try another rehab stint on August 27 with Norfolk.
Trumbo is nearing the one-year anniversary of surgery on his right knee, and hopes to play in five games with the Tides. If that goes well, he’ll be added to the roster in September.
“Until you get out there, the feedback’s really only been apparent in game action, so I’d like to think that the time, the window that we’re on now is the one that was recommended prior to surgery,” Trumbo said.
“September 7 of this year will be one year. Based on people that know a lot more than me seem to think that things should start to feel a little more normal.”
Hyde is looking forward to Trumbo’s return.
“I think he’s itching to go play, and see how it feels,” Hyde said. “Hopefully, everything goes well, and we’re able to add him.”
Smith optioned to Norfolk: Dwight Smith Jr. was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and has been optioned to Norfolk, where he was rehabilitating a left calf injury.
Smith will be eligible to return to the Orioles on September 1 when the rosters expand to 40.
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In regards to CD, good and about time he sat. We are more competitive with him on the bench, while yes he is a defensive asset (most of the time) he is batting well below the Mendoza line.
Rich do you think Chris contemplates retirement and a move to coaching?
I think Chris wants to keep playing. I don't see coaching in his immediate future.
Sorry to see this for CD’s sake, but we’ve heard for two years that he needs to make improvements and adjustments and it just hasn’t happened. We need to see the young guys. We also need to retire the Mendoza line in favor of the Davis Line.
But that would lower the mark to .190
Glad to hear this report, Rich. It’s a baffling shame, the CD story is. The organization, under two GM’s, has said the same thing, Chris needs to make some changes. No kidding! Chris needs to spend a month at Norfolk. The problem is he needs to okay that idea. By not agreeing to go down he’s giving the perception that he’s in it for the money.
Uh … ya think? Who wouldn't be in in for the money?
A trip down to Norfolk would benefit him and the team. The lack of hitting is bad but recently his strikeouts has increased, for Aug over 50% of the time he isn’t putting the ball in play.
This is a joke cmon Rich. Last off season he was supposed to be training hard and working on things. How many times are we going to hear this BS. The guys done and won’t retire who would with 66 mil.coming his way.
Bruce, we hadn't heard from you for a while. Glad to hear your thoughts on Chris.
And this makes Hyde's "playing to win" declaration all the more credible.
“There’s people we want to see, and there’s at-bats that we want to give to guys,” Hyde said.
Translation … Mountcastle is on his way.
Have they asked CD to go to Norfolk? it's always said that he needs to agree to it. And it's assumed he would not go.
A reporter needs to walk up to Chris in the clubhouse after the game and ask the question.
I could not agree with you more. What happened to hard hitting journalism? How about it Rich?
I’m looking forward to Chris’ next availability.
Suck it up and release him. He's not going to make some kind of great comeback. Trumbo's done with the Orioles, there's some big money coming off the books.
Releasing him wouldn’t take the big money off the books, they’d still foot the bill, something many of us feel they should do...go O’s...