As the All-Star break approaches, the Boston Red Sox are riding high on a remarkable 10-game winning streak, a stark contrast to the fortunes of the Baltimore Orioles, who are struggling to keep hopes alive for a playoff spot. The Orioles faced a disappointing end to the first half of the season after suffering a heavy 11-1 defeat to the Miami Marlins, bringing their record to 43-52.
Kyle Stowers, a former Orioles player, had a standout game against his old team, going 5-for-5 with three home runs, which boosted his season tally to 19. His performance earned him the title of National League Player of the Week, while Cleveland Guardians’ José Ramírez took home the same honors for the American League.
Stowers’ journey has been marked by challenges; he spent limited time with the Orioles from 2022 to 2024, struggling to secure a permanent spot in a competitive lineup with a batting average of .229. In a bid to strengthen their pitching staff, the Orioles traded him, along with infielder Connor Norby, to Miami for Trevor Rogers. While Norby has managed a .692 OPS, Stowers has flourished in Miami, showcasing a significant improvement with a .293 batting average and a 1.291 OPS this month.
Reflecting on his success, Stowers noted the importance of learning to manage pressure and granting himself grace, stating, “I kind of realized that I was the one person in my life who would be OK with me not having the baseball career that I think I should have.”
Fortunately for the Orioles, the trade may not be all bad news, as Trevor Rogers is showing signs of resurgence. After struggling with a 7.11 ERA for Baltimore last season, he has returned to form this year, boasting an impressive 1.53 ERA over his last six starts, marking a critical turnaround for the team.
This season’s ups and downs highlight both the potential for individual growth and the unpredictable nature of baseball. As teams head into the second half of the season, the hope is that underperforming players find their rhythms and that teams can capitalize on emerging talent.