Jonanthan Schoop doesn't hit a homer in every rehab game he plays in. It just seems like it.
After homering in three of his last four games while with Double-A Bowie, Schoop played at Single-A Frederick last night. He went 2-for-4 and hit a solo homer over all three levels of billboards in the eighth inning at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
"I am always going up there looking for a pitch to drive. If I get it, I hope to put a good swing on it and it can go out of the ballpark," Schoop told reporters and the Keys Radio Network last night in Frederick.
In eight rehab games, Schoop is batting .276. In his past five rehab games, he is 7-for-18 (.389) with two doubles, four homers and seven RBIs. Schoop said it was a boost for him to be with the Orioles in the dugout in recent games at Camden Yards before he joined Frederick.
"Made me feel really good, being around my teammates and they're winning. Excited to be back and to help the team," he said.
Schoop had an interesting answer when he was asked if it's been tougher on offense or defense since he returned from a knee injury.
"To be honest, focus," he said. "Focus, like being there every pitch. That was hard for a little bit. But have to get used to that after being out a long time."
For Schoop, last night's game was his first in Frederick since September 2011 when he and Manny Machado teamed to lead the Keys to the Carolina League championship. Schoop was promoted from Single-A Delmarva in early June that year and hit .314 in nine Frederick playoff games.
"Good memories," Schoop said about returning to Frederick. "I walked around and remembered when I was here. I really liked it here and have some good memories."
Schoop helped Frederick beat Potomac 4-3 last night. When the Keys scored two runs in the seventh and eighth innings they snapped a stretch of 28 2/3 innings without scoring a run.
Will Gausman stay in the rotation?: Earlier this week, O's manager Buck Showalter indicated that Kevin Gausman was likely to head back to the minors after his start last night. Now those plans may have changed. Gausman flew with the Orioles to Chicago last night as he awaits word on what will come next for him.
At this point, Gausman certainly looks like one of the best five starters the Orioles have. When he came off the disabled list on June 20, he faced a Toronto team that had knocked Mike Wright out the night before after 1 1/3 innings and was 4-0 at home against the Orioles. But he gave up two runs over five innings and pitched the club to its first win of 2015 at Rogers Centre.
Last night, Gausman silenced a Texas team that had hit 10 homers over the previous three nights. He was pitching on three days' rest and is not even fully stretched out as a starter yet. But he was impressive.
Using almost all fastballs and changeups, he pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits. He has an ERA of 1.59 in his two starts this year.
For now, I say there is no reason for the Orioles to do anything else but send the kid back out there every five days. If, at some point, he struggles, they can make an adjustment. For now, Gausman looks good and he's been impressive against two pretty solid lineups.
If Bud Norris has to move to the bullpen, so be it. Norris gave up four homers to the same team Gausman shut down last night. Norris simply hasn't pitched well enough to keep his rotation spot when you have a better option. Right now, Gausman is a better option.
We should know soon if Showalter feels the same way.
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