I wasn’t really sure what the Orioles were going to get from Henry Urrutia when they signed him last season. His defection from Cuba kept him out of baseball for nearly two years, but he seems to have picked up right where he left off at the plate.
The 26 year old Baysox outfielder currently leads the Eastern League in batting average (.378) and slugging percentage (.622). He’s hit three homers, driven in 18, has walked nine times and struck out 12.
We talked with MASNSports.com’s Steve Melewski this week on the BSR Podcast and he says the Orioles plan to keep Urrutia at Double-A for now, partially due to a crowded outfield at Triple-A Norfolk. Urrutia’s production did surprise Melewski, due to his time away from the game, and he was optimistic about the power numbers he has been able to put up.
Melewski says that Baseball America sees Urrutia’s ceiling as a fourth outfielder in the big leagues. If he keeps raking, he could be a solid contender for the O’s DH down the road.
Hammerin’ Hank a fourth outfielder?!?!
While Nate is struggling and Nolan is out of options, why not bring up Henry and jump start the O’s offense during this 17 gamer? Win the majority of these 17 against AL East rivals and 57 games into 2013 take control of the East. Go 6 and 11 and fight an uphill battle the rest of the way.
Why not DH Henry? How can it hurt? While Showalter is blowing games left and right with his inability to pull a pitcher in trouble and is currently responsible for at least 5 losses as manager, the O’s need a lift. Remember that 4th game against Oakland? And the complete absurdity of not being able to lift Jim Johnson no matter what? This manager is killing us. So let’s give this young slugger a shot. This great lineup needs to be even greater to cover a bad bullpen and manager.
same stats a month later…at 26 this kid should be in the bigs..