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Orioles MiLB Transactions Update: August 22

Writer's picture: Grant DeVivoGrant DeVivo

Fabian promoted to Norfolk, Virbitsky returns to Bowie

*Cover Photo Credit: Grant DeVivo


Following the promotions of three prospect outfielders to Bowie last week, one of them being Enrique Bradfield Jr., there have been a few notable promotions and transactions that have occured within the Orioles Minor League system since then. Let's take a look at what has been buzzing down on the farm.


Promotions

The following players have received promotions to their next respective level of Minor League Play.


  • OF Jud Fabian: promoted from AA Bowie Baysox to AAA Norfolk Tides

  • RHP Logan Rinehart: promoted from AA Bowie Baysox to AAA Norfolk Tides

  • RHP Levi Stoudt: promoted from AA Bowie Baysox to AAA Norfolk Tides

  • RHP Carlos Tavara: promoted from AA Bowie Baysox to AAA Norfolk Tides

  • RHP Kyle Virbitsky: promoted from A- Aberdeen Ironbirds to AA Bowie Baysox


No. 13 prospect Jud Fabian has been promoted to Triple-A Norfolk. Photo: Grant DeVivo

The Orioles knew what they were getting when they drafted the right-handed hitting Fabian in 2022, and that was right-handed home run power. In 98 games with Bowie this season, the Orioles' No. 13 prospect has cranked 18 home runs with a .432 slugging percentage, which contributes to a .758 OPS. In 11 games leading up to his promotion, Fabian was a .351 hitterwith a 1.111 OPS and 12 RBI. The Baysox outfield has become crowded with the arrival of three new outfielders from the Ironbirds including Enrique Bradfield Jr. Not to mention, Dylan Beavers and John Rhodes are still in the outfield mix for Bowie. A promotion was bound to happen for Fabian sometime soon and given his recent hot streak and the crowded outfield in Bowie, this happened to be the right time for it to occur. In 3 games with Norfolk so far, he already has his first Triple-A home run.


As for Rinehart, injuries took away a chunk of the first half of his season. During the time that he has been healthy and throwing, however, he has been one of the best relievers out of Bowie's bullpen. In 21.2 innings at Double-A, he spun a solid 2.49 ERA with a 1.062 WHIP. He was able to strike out 25 batters while allowing just 9 walks, and he spun a 2.00 ERA in the month of July. Rinehart has already seen action in Triple-A, as he has a 2.84 ERA in 6.1 innings for Norfolk. His success has followed him to the next level, and perhaps he gets a chance at the next level, the big leagues. Rinehart has proven efficient and clutch throughout this season in the bullpen, and his arsenal could play well out of the Orioles bullpen. Keep an eyes on Rinehart as he competes to crack the Orioles' roster.


Virbitsky is going to be getting his second chance at Double-A this season. After being optioned back to Aberdeen earlier this season, he transitioned into a reliever and had newfound success with his new role. In 31.1 relief innings, he allowed just 6 walks, showing his improvement in command and aggression towards hitters with his arsenal. At one point, he held a 23+ inning streak where he did not walk a batter. In addition, he struck out 39 batters and posted both a 2.59 ERA and a 1.117 WHIP. The 25-year-old showed that he has made the necessary adjustments to acheive success, and he has thus been rewarded with a second chance with Bowie, where he will pressumably finish the 2024 season.


Tavara, who was recently demoted to Bowie, had a successful stint with Bowie. In 38 innings, he posted a 3.08 ERA with a 1.026 WHIP and a 9.9 K/9. Stoudt, who was recently outrighted off the Orioles' 40-man roster, posted a 2.70 ERA and a 1.200 WHIP in 20 innings for Bowie this season.


Rehab Assignments The following players have been sent on rehab assignments by the Bowie Baysox.



The details on Burch's injury are unknown, but according to a recent Instagram post of his, it appears that it was an injury to his throwing arm. It was enough for him to have missed all of this season far, and he has only recently begun throwing in games as part of his rehab. The 26-year-old started the Sunday series finale for Aberdeen, tossing a scoreless first inning and marking his first appearance since September of last year. Once he is healthy, the Baysox will be looking forward to his return as he posted a 3.07 ERA in 41 innings for them last season.


Zach Peek has begun a rehab assignment with the Delmarva Shorebirds. Photo: John Topoleski

Peek got into 7.1 innings for Bowie with a 4.91 ERA before landing on the Baysox' 7-day IL back in May. He as soon transferred to the 60-day IL with a stress reaction in his right scapula. It was an unfortunate blow for Peek, who was set for his first full season back from Tommy John surgery with a new role as a reliever for the Baysox. Acquired in the Dylan Bundy trade, the hard-throwing righty is still looking for everything to fall in place after these recent injury-plagued times, but the talent is there. He controls the fastball well and his curveball is a big hooker that dives off the zone late. In 11 starts in 2022, he posted a 3.57 ERA and a 1.191 WHIP. Given the injuries, perhaps his days as a starter are over but if all goes well in this step of the rehab process and if he stays healthy, then perhaps he can rise as a potential bullpen candidate for the Orioles one day.

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