After Westburg's injury and Mayo's demotion, O's turn to steady Ramón Urías at third

When you ask Orioles manager Brandon Hyde how much he appreciates Ramón Urías for his dependability at a variety of times in a variety of roles this season, he reminds everyone this is not new.

“The last few years,” said Hyde.

“Ramón is the same guy, every single day," he said. "Whether he is playing or not playing. Whether he hasn’t played in three or four days or been in the lineup. He comes to the park super consistent. He’s always ready. Makes his defense important and gives you the best AB he’s got. He’s got sneaky power and loves to be out there.

“It’s important right now. Anything we can add to the bottom of the order and wrap that thing around to the top of the order. Ramón has always been a super, steady player for us.”

When the Orioles optioned Coby Mayo back to Triple-A Thursday, that put Urías back in the lineup at third base, the position where he won a Gold Glove in 2022.

Urías was taking time to help Mayo with his transition to the big leagues. But now he has to be ready to help this club every day.

“I think the most important thing right now is to help the team win. Feeling good at the plate and just focused on keeping that going,” Urías said.

Urías has spent a lot of time this season as a bench and utility player.

“It’s been tough and it definitely hasn’t been an easy season,” he said. “Had some ups and downs during the year. I think my playing time has not been great. But just need to grind through it, stay positive and stay focused is the main thing.”

He takes pride in getting big hits for the Orioles. Urías homered and drove in a career-high five runs Friday night versus the Red Sox.

Last Saturday night in the eighth inning at Tampa Bay, he hit a two-run homer to snap a 4-4 tie in a game the Orioles won 7-5. Urías has a .797 OPS this year when hitting with runners in scoring position.

“Yeah, of course (he takes pride in coming through in big spots),” he said. “Not easy to do it. I hope I can have a strong last two months.

“I just keep grinding. There are times when the team needs me a lot and I just do my best however I can. Whatever is needed is my focus.”

Over 227 plate appearances this year, he’s batting .244/.313/.390/.703, which produces an OPS plus of 102, just above league average.

“Swing feels great. Friday was a big game for me and two days ago was not my best," he said. "Just staying positive is important, and that helps me to produce.”

Now he wants to see the team get back on a roll during the stretch run.

“We have lost a lot of good players to the IL and that has hurt us. But we still have plenty of great guys here to help this team win, Urías said. "We are positive, and hopefully we start playing better." 

When Mayo was here Urías was happy to provide tips and pointers to try to make a young player’s path easier if he could.

“Coby is a great kid. He has a lot of talent. I think he will be great for a lot of years in the big leagues," Urías said. "To be able to help him a little bit, I feel good. Trying to help the Orioles be a great team for the next several years. I enjoy helping a young guy. Whatever I can do to help him, I’ll do it.”

In 2022, Urías led American League third baseman with 14 Defensive Runs Saved. He was at 0 DRS last year and is minus-3 this year.

But the O’s look toward the hot corner and still see a dependable player in Urías.

"Feel great about having someone that has a Gold Glove and hit 16 homers a couple of years ago (there)," said Hyde. "Wasn’t getting regular playing time early. We’ve had our share of injuries. He was ready to go.

“I think consistent playing time is the main reason (his defensive metric numbers have slipped). I know the metrics ding him a bit but he’s still really solid, defensively. And makes a lot of tough plays look easy because his hands and his feet are so good.”

Looking for a split: Lefty Cade Povich threw a gem in his ninth big league start, allowing two runs over 6 1/3 innings, but the Orioles lost again to the Boston Red Sox. They fell 5-1 and are 1-2 this series and 2-3 on this six-game homestand.

The Orioles could have tied for first in the American League East after the Yankees lost Saturday afternoon, but they remain one game back.

Baltimore pitchers have a 5.60 ERA and have allowed 28 runs this homestand. Since June 13, the Orioles are 27-30 with a 5.01 team ERA. 

Gunnar Henderson did drive this ball over the fence in the last of the sixth for his 32nd homer of the year and his third in his last four games.