It’s funny because he’s a pitcher whose name sounds like “Blew it!”
The very bottom of the Orioles bullpen has shifted again. On Tuesday afternoon, the team activated reliever Scott Blewett, who they had claimed off waivers from the Twins on Monday. Blewett, who had been designated for assignment by Minnesota, is out of options and had to join the major league Orioles. In a corresponding move, reliever Colin Selby has been optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk.
The thing that’s immediately memorable about Blewett is his name. Isn’t it funny to have a pitcher whose name is Blewett? Haha, his name is Blewett and he blew it! There’s some nominative determinism in action right there. Although it’s not so funny if he’s pitching for your favorite team.
The 29-year-old Blewett actually hasn’t blown it all that much across parts of four big league seasons. Emphasis on parts, because he has 33 total MLB innings to his name. Blewett has a 2.18 career ERA and 1.333 WHIP. He has taken exactly one loss. This year and last in an occasional multi-inning relief role with the Twins, he had a 1.80 ERA across 14 outings.
Tough luck for Blewett that Minnesota decided to chuck him even though his results have been good, but now he’ll get a chance with the Orioles. The chance may not last for too long, as this spot on the roster is only going to a reliever right now until the team needs another starting pitcher. Selby replaced the injured Zach Eflin, and it’s only because of recent off days letting the O’s not need a starting pitcher until Saturday that they could carry an extra reliever.
Or possibly Blewett will stick around for longer. The team does need a multi-inning reliever right now, since the guy planned for that role, Albert Suárez, is also on the injured list. As long as multiple starting pitchers are averaging fewer than five innings, they need a sacrificial lamb to go two innings or more. I would wave good-bye to Cionel Pérez instead of sending Blewett packing, but it is unlikely I will be consulted.
Selby, 27, heads back to Norfolk after having pitched in one game for the Orioles. In that game, Selby gave up two runs in one inning of work. He returns to Norfolk, where his ERA is 0.00 through three outings.