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Former NPB Pitcher is the Newest Oriole Revelation

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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.

He didn’t factor into the decision during Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings. He was excellent in his first starts for the Orioles, collecting a 2.35 ERA and 15:3 K:BB across 15 1/3 innings.

How His Repertoire Is Effective

Suárez is so effective thanks to his pitching repertoire. He throws his four-seam fastball nearly 60 percent of the time for good reason. He generates whiffs on 40 percent of fastballs he throws, and batters are hitting just .233 against that pitch. Suárez has two key secondary pitches. His cutter, which he uses 19 percent of the time, and his changeup, which at 17.8 percent. The cutter has been a good pitch for Suárez with only two batters have gotten a hit on it. However, the changeup has been the victim of more hits, including the lone home run Suárez gave up. Suárez also occasionally throws a curveball, which has been a solid pitch.

Overall, as long as Suárez continues to accurately throw his fastball and mix in the cutter and changeup when he needs to, there are no metrics that suggest his pitching will decline.

Now that Bradish is back and Means returning this weekend, Suárez will look to continue his success in the bullpen. It’s yet to be determined what his role will be in that position.

Main Photo: © Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

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