Jimmy Paredes talks about his red-hot bat for the Orioles

In 37 games as an Oriole since last year, Jimmy Paredes is batting .337 with 10 doubles, two triples, seven homers and 23 RBIs. He has a .602 slugging percentage and an OPS of .964. His bat has been red-hot this year. In 19 games since he was activated from the disabled list, he is batting .363 with six doubles, two triples, five homers and 15 RBIs. His slugging percentage is .675 and OPS is 1.061.

"I feel great because I've gotten an opportunity and have taken advantage of it. Been trying to do a good job and am so excited to get this chance," the 26-year-old Paredes said this afternoon.

Since April 18, his 13 extra-base hits are tied for second in the majors behind Freddie Freeman (14) and Eric Hosmer (14). His 54 total bases during that span rank third in the majors behind Nelson Cruz (59) and Anthony Rizzo (56). Paredes said he can remember being locked in this well at the plate before, but not at the major league level.

"I remember a couple of years ago in 2012 at Triple-A, and the beginning of last year at Triple-A, I had a good start too," he said. "I've had a good start the last couple of years."

Paredes has run off three straight multi-hit games, going 7-for-13, and his current 10-game hitting streak is an Orioles season high, passing Adam Jones, who earlier had a nine-game streak.

"Just seeing the ball well and looking for a good pitch to hit," he said. "When I see my pitch, I don't want to miss it. If I do, I just get ready for the next one and try to put a good swing on it. Just trying to be consistent."

The way Paredes is hitting, it makes the Orioles look pretty smart in acquiring him twice. The first time was Feb. 15, 2014 when the Orioles selected him off waivers from Miami. Two days later, needing to open a 40-man roster spot for pitcher Suk-min Yoon, the Orioles designated Paredes for assignment and he was claimed off waivers by Kansas City. But then, in a cash transaction, the Orioles got him back last summer, purchasing his contract from the Kansas City Royals on July 24.

For now, he has settled in quite well as an Oriole. He'll bat second as the DH tonight as he tries to extend his hitting streak when the Orioles host Toronto at 7:05 p.m.