The Orioles put third baseman Ramón Urías on the injured list with a hamstring strain before Saturday night's game against Kansas City.
In a corresponding move, the Baltimore Orioles recalled infield prospect Coby Mayo from Triple-A Norfolk for his second stint in the major leagues.
Urías was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to Thursday, becoming the 14th player the Orioles have put on the injured list this season.
Coby Mayo was heading to Baltimore yesterday as the team made roster adjustments. The 23-year-old prospect made his MLB debut last season, batting .098 in 17 games across two call-ups.
Ranked as the Orioles' No. 2 prospect and among baseball's top prospects overall, Mayo has shown power potential and defensive improvement in the minor leagues. In 28 games at Triple-A this season, he hit .252 with six home runs, 22 RBIs, and an .869 OPS.
Mayo also posted strong numbers against left-handed pitching in Triple-A, going 9-for-17 (.529) with four home runs in 19 plate appearances. The Orioles have struggled against lefties this season, holding the lowest OPS in the majors in those situations.
Observes note Mayo has improved defensively, splitting time between third base and first base at Triple-A.
"I know one of the most uncomfortable balls when somebody first gets over there is the ball hit to your right because you’re like, ‘Is the second baseman there? Should I go to the bag?’ There’s little decision-making things," said Maverick Handley, an Orioles prospect who was in the clubhouse. "I see those reps happening and he’s getting better, which is great.”
Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias stated Friday that Mayo was "really close" to a promotion, but the team wanted the timing to be "the right opportunity for him." Urías' injury necessitated the move.
Mayo entered Saturday's game as a pinch hitter against left-hander Daniel Lynch IV, popping out. He remained in the game at third base and later struck out against right-hander John Schreiber.
The Orioles could face a roster decision soon, as infielder Jordan Westburg is eligible to return from the injured list on Wednesday.
“I think every player wants an opportunity to show their talent and showcase their abilities to be a really good major league baseball player," Mayo said. "And I think I’ve done a really good job of being a really good minor league player. Now it’s about becoming a really good, consistent major league player.”
