Yard Work podcast: Episode 9

Hey, O's fans. Welcome to this week's edition of Yard Work. In today's episode....

The Orioles return home from their first road trip since the All-Star break. It wasn't the smoothest of journeys, however. After taking two of three from the Rays in Tampa Bay, the Orioles lost a four-game series against the Yankees in the Bronx, and were just a Chris Tillman gem shy of being swept by their divisional rival. Oddly enough, it was the team's offense that sputtered out of the gate. The Orioles scored four runs or fewer in all seven games on the trip, but thanks to two more masterful outings from Tillman, the Birds managed to salvage a 3-4 record in the two series.

Speaking of Tillman, it seems scary to think that we still may not have seen his best stuff yet. Whether or not any truth lies to the theory that Tillman was miffed at being passed over for consideration on this year's All-Star roster, the right-hander sure is pitching like he has something to prove. With a win in Thursday's series finale in New York, Tillman pushed his record to 14-2, tying the White Sox' Chris Sale for the most wins in the major leagues. What's been his secret this year? Steve Melewski and I will discuss.

In injury news, reliever Darren O'Day is set to return soon, bolstering an already dangerous bullpen unit. Orioles manager Buck Showalter has to be thrilled at the idea of having "BOB" back in his arsenal - nickname for the trio of Brad Brach, O'Day and Zach Britton (clever, don't you think?) - as the team fights to stay near the top of the American League East. Unfortunately, while O'Day nears his return, pitching prospect Hunter Harvey was hit with yet another piece of bad news. After leaving Saturday's start at short-season Single-A Aberdeen, the team announced Thursday that Harvey will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The setback likely means Harvey will miss all of 2017, though there is some optimism that the young hurler will be back some time next calendar year. What does the future hold for Harvey?

Finally, as the August 1st trade deadline approaches, the Orioles have made no secret of the fact they are looking to bolster their starting rotation. The trouble is, there aren't too many top-tier pitchers on the market, and with a considerable number of young assets on the squad, opposing teams are going to look to get something back in exchange for a little rotation help. Who might the Orioles lose in order to gain? We'll dive into the hot stove to see what's cookin' for Dan Duquette and the O's front office.

For now, the Orioles begin a brief homestand against Cleveland and Colorado on Friday, and will look to reclaim their spot perched atop the AL East. Enjoy this week's episode!

Note: The Yard Work podcast will be recorded each week; therefore, all Orioles records and statistics will be current at time of recording, but may be different when podcast is downloaded. Please don't hold that against us!