O'Neill, post -injury, in the hope of returning to the old self

Anaheim, California – Zach Eflin's return to the Big League hill made the most headlines. For a rotation in search of stability, the veteran right-hander delivers exactly that.

However, the rotation was not the main culprit of Orioles' recent problems. That was Baltimores line -up that anchored more than three runs in just one of her last six games.

A healthy Tyler O'Neill and his career ops of 0.800 could be the shot in the arm that Baltimore needs.

The outfield, which was activated today after the missed time with a neck injury in the active roster, did not hit like him to start the 2025 season. O'Neill only hit 0.215 with a .385 -Slugging percentage and.

As it turned out, this neck injury was a problem for O'Neill during the majority of the season and had a big influence on what it could do on the plate.

“It was something that I managed for the most part in the course of the year,” said O'Neill. “I went through there for about a week, where it was a really difficult time, just to move, everyday lifestyle. Especially looked to the left.”

As you can imagine, it can certainly inhibit your swing.

“I just couldn't come to a place where I felt comfortable when I landed,” he added. “With my step it was only very inconsistent and threw a loop into my swing. It was definitely noticeable for me. I did everything to prepare and compete every day, but I am only grateful that I took the time and ensured that I feel better and I got out much more.”

The inconsistencies in his swing could certainly explain some early fights, especially against left -handed people. O'Neill's skills against southern paws was one of the main reasons that the O brought him to the city, and partly due to the struggles of the outfield, Baltimore swam upstream in this category.

The Orioles enter today's game and only meet 0.178 against links with an ops of 0.498, both the worst markings in the game. O'Neill has only two goals against left -handers a year, both singles. This is far from his career -OPS almost 0.900 against links in his career. With a larger sample size, this is safely returned in the direction of the average.

“I definitely want to meet the left,” said O'Neill. “I also want to get the right right one. So wherever skip wants to bring me into the line -up every day, I will do what I can do to compete and do the best job I can.”

Brandon Hyde is simply happy to have the slugger back in the line -up, regardless of who he is facing.

“We have had a hard time since the second half of the year. Someone who had many bats in their career understands what jugs are trying to do and has a certain confidence in the plate. Tyler can add that for us,” said Hyde before today's game.

The Orioles need power, experienced leadership and clutch hits. A healthy O'Neill has the ability to deliver all of this.

“I just want to come back to be me,” he said. “I just want to be Tyler O'Neill on the plate, and I feel much better now.”

Semmel crumbs from the skipper

Colton Cowser is with the team in Anaheim, but is still far from returning to the game campaign, according to Hyde.

“He is starting,” said Hyde. “Only very light baseball activities that keep his legs in shape. I will soon get my arm going. He is still a way away, but it is easy to see how he starts some baseball activities.”

Ramón Urías and Jordan Westburg are also progressing, but Westburg is somewhat behind the schedule.

“The Hammy still bothers him a little, so we had to push him back for a few days,” said Hyde. “Ramón is doing really well, so we hope after the off-day, someday shortly after the off-day, whether Tuesday or Wednesday, hopefully we have Urías back. Westy will be a few days behind him.”