Is Enrique Bradfield Jr. on track to join the Orioles soon? | MAILBAG

Question: Is Enrique Bradfield Jr. on track to make the majors any time soon? From: Dorsey Stell

Answer: Coach, I don’t think we’ll be seeing Enrique Bradfield Jr. in Baltimore in the near future. Bradfield missed much of this season with a hand injury and entering Thursday’s game, he’s played in only 20 games for Triple-A Norfolk, hitting only .183 with four stolen bases.

Bradfield has had more than his share of injuries during his four years in the minor leagues. In order for the Orioles to promote him, he needs to be healthy and produce.

Last year, Bradfield had hamstring injuries and played in only 76 games. This year, he’s played in only 29 games for Norfolk, Frederick and Delmarva.

If the Orioles turn into a legitimate contender and he’s healthy and produces, it wouldn’t shock me to see him in September when teams get to add a position player, but that’s asking a lot from all involved.

Question: I’m kind of surprised Anthony Nunez was sent back down with the return of Ryan Helsley.  Personally I was never all that impressed with him, but I had the impression that management was. Rich, what’s you thought on this?  Will we see him back up anytime soon? From: Ken Holsopple

Answer: Ken, Nunez was a late addition to the Opening Day roster because of injuries to Keegan Akin and Andrew Kittredge, and he did well at first. Through April 30^th, which was just after Helsley went on the injured list, Nunez had a 2.35 ERA.

Without Helsley, the Orioles were left needing a closer and they didn’t have an experienced one, and in higher-leverage situations, Nunez didn’t do as well.

I had thought that Nunez would have been called up during the season when another arm was needed because of injuries, overwork or ineffectiveness of the other relievers, but because of the injury to Helsley, he was put in a situation he wasn’t really ready for, and he was exposed.

I think he can be a credible major league reliever but needs a reset at Norfolk.

The Orioles aren’t teeming with relief prospects at Triple-A, though I expect left-hander Andrew Magno to get a call soon. I think we’ll see Nunez again later in the season when another arm is needed provided he produces decently with the Tides.

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.