O's can use off day to regroup after series sweep and dugout dust-up

During the last three games against the New York Yankees, there were plenty of reasons for Orioles players, coaches and manager Brandon Hyde to be frustrated. They got swept for the fourth time this year by New York and allowed 32 runs and 16 homers in the series.

But we don't know what caused the frustration, anger or whatever it was that led to words between Hyde and Chris Davis after the top of the fifth last night. We just know it led to Davis charging toward Hyde, who had gone down the dugout steps toward the tunnel. Davis was restrained by hitting coach Don Long and Mark Trumbo.

He calmed down moments later, but whatever had him upset, it looked like had him very upset. Was his manager angry about something he did or didn't do on the field? Did it happen during the top of the fifth?

Again, we don't know that answer. Davis could not scoop out a low throw by second baseman Jonathan Villar that went for an error to start the inning, and Gio Urshela followed with a two-run homer. Later, Davis was part of a 3-1 groundout, shuffling the ball directly from his glove to Miguel Castro's glove to get an out at first base.

Hyde said: "It was just a disagreement that we had in the dugout. What was said and what we talked about, I'm not going to get into. We're going to keep it in-house. It's private. It's just something that happens sometimes. Frustration boils over a little bit when we're not playing our best baseball the last couple games.

"Me and Chris have a good relationship. And these things happen in competitive environments. It was something that will pass and we'll get through it, but it was just unfortunate it happened in the dugout. We were saying words back and forth to each other and it got a little bit heated. That's kind of the extent of it. It is what it is."

Will this have ramifications past last night? It could. The club could take some action to suspend or fine Davis. But it seems unlikely that anything more significant than that would happen. Then again, he did charge toward his manager, and the manager is an authority figure on the club.

When I wrote this story over the All-Star break, Davis remarked about how much he enjoyed being part of this youthful Orioles team this year, and said this group has a promising future.

Davis said: "Just love their attitude, day in and day out. The energy that they bring. I feel like this is a talented, young group of guys that is extremely hungry and really trying to take advantage of this opportunity to play in the big leagues. And to really learn as much as they can about, not only themselves, but the team and what it takes to win at this level. It's been a lot of fun so far. I see a lot of things that I'm really encouraged by. As a veteran player, it's a rejuvenating jolt of energy to see that."

After the incident last night, some fans immediately opined that this could lead to the club cutting Davis and eating the rest of his large contract. Would this be the last straw? That seems very doubtful to me.

But it was a stunning moment. The most frustration we've publicly seen from Davis in the last year or two was once or twice when he broke a bat over his knee. As far as I can recall, anyway.

Throughout this year, Davis and Hyde have often expressed their mutual respect for each other, and their relationship seemed to be a good one and very genuine.

A day off probably comes at a good time for the Orioles today. They can sort all this out and try to keep what has been mostly a happy family in their clubhouse this year one that remains that way.