Danny Valencia brings versatility to Orioles

DannyValencia
BALTIMORE – Danny Valencia was hitting too well at Norfolk for the Orioles to ignore. Valencia was batting .306 in 40 games for the Tides, and he was placed in the lineup as the designated hitter on Sunday.

“You never know what to expect, so it’s definitely surprising,”  Valencia said.

He was told on Saturday afternoon when the team was in Durham, N.C., and caught a flight to Baltimore.

Wearing No. 35, Valencia, who was acquired over the winter from Boston, has played a few games recently in the outfield, but is primarily a designated hitter. He plays third and third, but isn’t likely to get playing time there.

Norfolk began play with a 29-14 record with L.J. Hoes, Jason Pridie and Travis Ishikawa all hitting .300 or better.

“The whole lineup has been doing well. I capitalized on a lot of the mistakes they’ve given me,” Valencia said.

“The streak that I was on down there was probably one of the better streaks I’ve had in my career.”

The right-handed hitter replaces Ryan Flaherty on the roster and hopes he can stay here for a while.

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


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(csnbaltimore.com)
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