For Orioles outfielder Austin Hays, as he produces an All-Star caliber season, there are probably not many highlights that will top when he hit for the cycle recently. He became the sixth Oriole in team history to do that. And he got it a game that was shortened to six innings by rain a week ago Wednesday, when the Orioles were hosting the Washington Nationals.
But most nights, Hays is just as excited, probably more so, when he can make a big defensive play such as running a ball down in the gap or throwing a runner out on the bases. He and the Orioles are doing that often. Heading into Wednesday’s game at Seattle, the club’s 17 outfield assists were fourth-most in the major leagues and Hays was tied for second with seven outfield assists. His 19 assists since 2020 were tied for fourth most in the majors.
“I take so much pride in my defense, I think it means more to me when I can throw out a runner or make a big defensive play in a tight situation late in the game," Hays said in a recent interview with me on my WBAL Radio Orioles postgame show. "I’d say that’s more fun for me or means more to me when I do that than do it on the offensive side of the ball.”
The guy is making accurate throws with a lot on them. The arm-strength-and-accuracy combo is very impressive. The Orioles recently released a stat showing that, since 2016, Hays' arm speed from the outfield has recorded the five fastest and 10 of the 11 fastest Baltimore outfield throws.
97.6 mph – May 20, 2022 against Tampa Bay