Hyde won't share rebuild stories with players

The streaks keep trying to suffocate the Orioles. Putting the squeeze on them like a boa constrictor.

Number of games lost in a row was the biggie, of course. If not for last night's rally, they would have drawn within one of tying the franchise and American League records of 21 in a row.

They'd also be on the verge of suffering their sixth series sweep in a row. Say that three times fast.

They don't have to worry about a 17th sweep this season.

Brandon Hyde appreciates the support he's receiving from other managers. He sees the examples set by Joe Maddon, what he overcame with the Rays and especially the Cubs to win the World Series with Hyde on his coaching staff. He knows the stories that executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias can tell regarding the Astros. An example that's placed in front of him on a daily basis.

Hyde could pass all of it to his players, every single detail and how the sacrifices and streaks led to huge rewards. Except he won't.

"I don't really talk about rebuild processes with the team," he said.

For reasons that are quite understandable and complicated.

As I've pointed out in the past, it's a fascinating balancing act performed by Hyde. He understands the plan that's implemented, why it's done, the logic behind it. He's on board. That's why he was chosen to manage. Offering resistance during the interview process was going to keep him on Maddon's staff.

But Hyde also can't let his players believe for an instant that wins don't matter. He wants maximum effort and results. But also with an eye on the bigger picture.

How to get better and become pieces in that thing they don't speak of.

"Kind of just focusing on developing individually right now," Hyde said. "Giving guys opportunities to play. I've talked a lot about, everybody in that room has a lot to play for and everybody's got a different reason these last 35-40 games. Some of these guys are trying to earn a spot for next year, some of these guys are trying to stay on the 40-man roster, some of these guys are just getting a little longer look in the big leagues to see if they're big league players."

The kind that can pull a team out of slumps before they threaten to destroy it.

"I'm very aware," Hyde said. "I saw Chicago, too, '12, '13, '14 we weren't very good, and then in '15 we got good quick. It's not fun to go through, but it's fun when you get through it and you look on the other side and remember the days when you had a lot of struggles and you watch your team and it's a really good team. So, I'm looking forward to that day."

Will those days include Keegan Akin in the rotation? He's remains in it, basically the replacement for injured left-hander Bruce Zimmermann, and keeps trying to seize the chances he's given.

Spenser Watkins succeeded for three starts. Akin must be envious of that streak.

The one he's carrying is cumbersome and quirky. The Orioles have lost the last 12 games that he's appeared in. His lone major league victory in 26 games occurred on Sept. 16, 2020 against the Braves. The former second-round draft pick is 1-10 with a 6.95 ERA and 1.701 WHIP in 89 1/3 innings.

The Angels saw him in July and scored four runs with seven hits in three innings in their 8-7 victory. José Iglesias and Shohei Ohtani hit home runs.

Though losing his last start, Akin completed five innings against the Braves with three runs allowed. Categorized later as a gain on a night that Max Fried tossed a complete-game shutout.

"Definitely a little more encouraged," Akin said after the streak reached 16. "Obviously, still some room to improve there. Made a couple bad pitches and paid for those. Feel a little bit better about it but still got to keep going.

"Just some mechanical stuff. I'm feeling a little more comfortable on the mound and commanding the ball a little better. Obviously, I wish I could have figured this out in June, but here I am in August, starting to feel a little more comfortable on the mound."