The Orioles were out of so many games so early in 2019, first-year manager Brandon Hyde rarely got the chance to flex his strategic muscles with regards to his bullpen. That’s changing in 2020.\n\nSix games into this unprecedented season, Hyde has turned to 30-year-old righty
Often times dating back to Spring Training, Hyde has expressed intrigue in Sulser’s pitch mix and ability to get both righties and lefties out. Perhaps an introduction is in order: the Indians' 25th-round Draft pick in 2013 from Dartmouth, Sulser spent much of the next seven seasons in the Minors, plateauing a bit at Triple-A two years ago. But that’s when he was introduced to data and began paying attention to analytics -- and his swing-and-miss stats shot up. Sulser posted gaudy strikeout numbers from '18-19 in the Indians' and Rays' systems, pitching well enough to earn a Major League callup last September at age 30.\n\nHe didn’t allow a run in seven appearances for the Rays down the stretch ... then he was rewarded by being designated off the roster near playoff time. The Orioles snatched him up off waivers in October, then watched as he pitched his way onto the roster with strong performances in Spring Training and Summer Camp. Flash forward a couple months, now he’s their closer -- at least for the time being.\n\n“I wanted to get him back out on the mound tonight,” Hyde said. “I do think that’s important. I didn’t want him to sit on that outing from last night. For him to get back on the mound tonight and perform, that’s a big confidence booster for him.”
So far, Sulser’s save chances have run the spectrum. He recorded six outs to hold a three-run lead in Boston last weekend and blew a one-run lead to the Yankees on Thursday. He was tasked with preserving a three-run cushion Friday, after homers from
Really since assuming the managerial role almost two years ago, Hyde has said he hoped to assign roles in his bullpen, particularly in the back end. That wasn’t possible for a unit that led the MLB with a 5.79 ERA a year ago; even in a small sample, the unit has been hit or miss statistically this summer as well. But it’s been better, at least at first, with