The Orioles introduced this morning that left-hander Tucker Davidson, whom they designated for project on the ultimate day of the common season, elected free company somewhat than accepting an outright project to Triple-A Norfolk.
A former high prospect with the Braves, Davidson bounced to the Angels and Royals earlier than touchdown with the O’s for the 2024 season. He posted 4 2/3 scoreless frames within the majors this yr, albeit with two walks in opposition to only one strikeout. The majority of his season was spent in Norfolk, the place he logged 115 2/3 innings with a 3.89 ERA, 20.7% strikeout fee, a 9.1% stroll fee and a forty five.7% ground-ball fee.
The 28-year-old Davidson cut up his time in Norfolk between the rotation and the bullpen, faring much better within the former. Whereas his numbers as a starter have been satisfactory — 4.48 ERA, 18.5% strikeout fee, 9.1% stroll fee — he was way more profitable popping out of the ’pen. In 44 reduction innings, he notched a 2.45 ERA, 23% strikeout fee and 9.2% stroll fee. As a starter, opponents batted .266/.336/.431 in opposition to Davidson this season. They flailed away at a .195/.263/.335 tempo when he was pitching in reduction.
Davidson will flip 29 in March. So far in his huge league profession, he’s posted a 5.76 ERA in 129 2/3 innings. Definitely, that’s not an thrilling profile, however there’s purpose for cautious optimism transferring ahead. His work in reduction this yr was sturdy, and the temporary MLB look he had with the Orioles featured a differ totally different pitch combine than he’s had in seasons previous. Davidson has historically targeted on a four-seam/slider mixture, mixing in an occasional curveball as a change of tempo. The Orioles had him reduce the utilization of each his four-seamer and slider whereas including a sinker and splitter that he used about 12% of the time every.
In all chance, Davidson will nonetheless be searching for a minor league deal this winter, however a former high prospect on the proper facet of 30 with stable Triple-A numbers and a tweaked pitch combine creates extra intrigue than many different minor league free brokers. He’ll be an choice for golf equipment looking for rotation and bullpen depth alike.
