What must Coby Mayo do to rejoin Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: Barring an injury to the Orioles’ infield, what do you think would have to happen for Coby Mayo to get promoted again? From: Charles Lowe

Answer: Charles, through 12 games with Triple-A Norfolk, Coby Mayo is hitting .196 with a .604 OPS. He has a home run and nine RBIs.

I think Mayo needs to have sustained success and wait for his turn. He’s struck out 15 times in 46 at-bats, and that’s a lot. It is early in the season, and I’m sure his numbers will get better.

If there’s an unexpected injury or a trade, then that increases Mayo’s chances.

Question: Can Cade Povich be the next Scott McGregor? Seems like it took Scottie a bit to get rolling also. From: Marshall Van Horne

Answer: Marshall, Cade Povich is scheduled for his third start on Saturday, and it looks like he’ll continue to get chances over the next few weeks.

He pitched well last September, and in his first two starts, he’s allowed 17 hits in 10 1/3 innings, which is unsustainable for a major league pitcher. On the other hand, he’s struck out 12 and walked two, which is a good ratio.

Looking back on McGregor’s career, he didn’t become an accomplished starter until his third season, and he was one of the best starters in team history.

I’m not sure Povich and McGregor have many similarities other than being left-handed, but if Povich’s career resembles McGregor’s then the Orioles will be very happy.

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.