MLB Weekly Digest: Orioles Fire Manager, Dodgers DFA Two

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Rivalry weekend has come to a close, as we are approaching week nine of MLB action. This week provided plenty of headlines, including multiple hot teams and big front office decisions.

Orioles Fire Manager Brandon Hyde –

Going into the Orioles’ matchup on Saturday, 5/17, Baltimore had lost four games in a row and was 15-28. In a year when many predicted they would compete with the New York Yankees for the division, they held sole possession of last place. The front office chose it was time to move on from longtime manager and former Manager of the Year winner Brandon Hyde.

In a statement from the Orioles, Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias said, “As the head of baseball operations, the poor start to our season is ultimately my responsibility. Part of that responsibility is pursuing difficult changes to set a different course for the future. I want to thank Brandon for his hard work, dedication, and passion all these years, and for returning the team to the playoffs and winning an AL East championship. His many positive contributions to this organization and Baltimore will remain, and we wish he and his family the best.”

Hyde had been the Orioles’ skipper since 2019, ultimately finishing with a 421-492 record.

Third base coach Tony Mansolino will take over as interim manager, according to the team.

Twins win 13 games straight –

On 5/2, the Minnesota Twins sat at 13-20, 4.5 games out of a playoff spot. Going into play on 5/19, they now sit at 26-21, leapfrogging the Guardians for second place in the AL Central this weekend.

The team has been receiving contributions from many players on the roster, top to bottom. The bullpen has been especially solid, with only one reliever with an ERA higher than 2.35 during the streak.

They ultimately lost on Sunday to the Brewers 5-2, but were one highlight play from Jackson Chourio from winning their 14th in a row.

Dodgers DFA Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes, Call Up Top Prospect –

The Dodgers waited long enough to call up top prospect Dalton Rushing until Wednesday. The number 15 overall prospect in MLB got the call after a strong start to this season, and the Dodgers Minor League Player of the Year award in 2024. To start the year in Triple-A Oklahoma City, Rushing was slashing .308/.424/.514 with five home runs.

He will serve as the backup catcher to Will Smith, potentially seeing starts at DH and in pinch-hit situations. He has played outfield and some first base in the minors, but according to manager Dave Roberts, Rushing will be a primary catcher.

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers designated catcher Austin Barnes for assignment. Barnes was the longest tenured player on the Dodgers’ roster, catching for them since 2015.

Barnes was off to a rough start to the season, hitting .214/.233/.286. His reigns will be handed over to 24-year-old rookie Dalton Rushing.

Chris Taylor became the longest tenured Dodger once Barnes was designated on Wednesday. That lasted just four days, as he was also designated on Sunday morning.

Utility man Tommy Edman was reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Taylor was also off to a rough start, slashing .200/.200/.257 with sporadic play time. The veteran was a key piece in their 2017 World Series run, along with their title in 2020. He has had a rough time since signing a 4-year, $60 million contract extension, but now, in his last year of the deal, Taylor will look for a new home.

Sources –

mlb.com

statmuse.com

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

mbodzent@kent.edu

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