The Baltimore Orioles are calling up top pitching prospect Chayce McDermott to make his MLB debut in Miami on Wednesday. McDermott, Baltimore’s No. 7 prospect, was added to the Orioles taxi squad ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Marlins. Baltimore’s starter for Wednesday was originally listed as TBA, but after joining the taxi squad Chayce McDermott’s promotion appeared imminent.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Ibb6EQJyfl
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 24, 2024
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde confirmed following Tuesday’s loss that the 25-year-old right-hander will make his MLB debut as Wednesday’s starter. To make room on both their active and 40-man rosters, Baltimore optioned reliever Bryan Baker to Triple-A Norfolk and designated right-hander Jonathan Heasley for assignment.
Orioles Prospect Chayce McDermott to Make MLB Debut in Miami
Chayce McDermott was acquired by the Orioles as part of a as part of the three-team trade sending Trey Mancini to the Astros in 2022. The former fourth-round pick has since developed into one of the Orioles’ top pitching prospects. McDermott had combined a 3.10 ERA and a 31% strikeout rate between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk last season.
He has a 3.96 ERA in 20 games with Norfolk and leads all Triple-A pitchers with 129 strikeouts. However, McDermott has struggled with his command throughout his minor league career, walking over 13% of opponents this year. In his last full start on July 12th, he threw 6 ⅔ scoreless innings, with one hit, four walks and seven strikeouts.
“He’s had some really good moments in Triple-A this year,” Hyde said of McDermott. “He’s had a little bit of a rocky road. His last time out wasn’t his best, but the stuff is there. It’s all about the strike-throwing ability and he’s going to get his chance sometime soon.”
Chayce McDermott will be the fifth Oriole to make his major league debut and the 10th pitcher to start a game for Baltimore this season.
Main Photo: © Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
