Former NPB Pitcher is the Newest Oriole Revelation

Albert Suárez had not pitched in the majors game since 2017. But now, he has made himself a key member of the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff. The Orioles came into spring training with a starting rotation full of star power. Some of these names include former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and the returns of Kyle Bradish and former All-Star John Means. However, both Bradish and Means were dealing with injuries as they weren’t ready to return in time for Opening Day. That boosted pitchers Tyler Wells and Grayson Rodriguez to fill out the rotation.

When Wells was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation, the Orioles decided their best course of action was to call up Suárez, a veteran who had not pitched in the major leagues since September of 2017. The return was exciting for the 34-year-old but his numbers at Triple-A Norfolk weren’t the greatest. He posted a 5.87 ERA in 15 1/3 innings despite his K:BB was outstanding at 17:1. The Orioles saw something in him and trusted the right-hander to make a spontaneous start in light of all the injuries. Suárez continues to own up to the opportunity the club has given him.

How Albert Suárez is Taking Advantage of His Opportunity

Suárez certainly took advantage of his first start for the Orioles against the Minnesota Twins on April 17. He allowed three hits and no earned runs over 5 2/3 innings, tallying four strikeouts in a no-decision. His next start on April 23 was his first win since 2016- 2,860 days. He became the second pitcher in the last 70 years to go that many years between MLB wins. Travis Blackley went 2,906 days between wins as a starter from 2004-12.