Danny Valencia makes Orioles' debut

BALTIMORE — Danny Valencia’s Baltimore Orioles debut went well when he ripped a double in his first at-bat Sunday afternoon, one day after the 28-year-old got word he was being promoted from Class AAA Norfolk.

Valencia replaced struggling second baseman Ryan Flaherty, who was optioned following Baltimore’s 10-6 loss to Tampa Bay, and was the Orioles’ designated hitter Sunday against the Rays. He was hitting .306 with the Tides before his call-up and saw time recently as an outfielder. Valencia can play infield as well, but it’s unlikely he’ll play second with Alexi Casilla and Yamaico Navarro on the roster.

Valencia had seven home runs in his last 10 games with Norfolk, and had 14 doubles, 11 homers, and 35 RBIs on the season.

“It’s the best situation when you feel like you deserve a chance,” Valencia said before Sunday’s game. “I hope it turns out well.”

He went 1 for 3 Sunday against Tampa Bay starter Matt Moore and nearly hit a homer in the seventh inning, a fly ball that center fielder Desmond Jennings caught on the warning track just in front of the 410-foot sign.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Valencia’s long fly “definitely wouldn’t have been a home run at Norfolk. But he had some good swings off a tough left-hander. It’s kind of the resume he brings, so hopefully we’ll see him again tomorrow and see how he does.”


(carrollcountytimes.com)