Between their two veteran additions and the trio of minor league call-ups summoned with expanded rosters Friday, the Orioles hope they've added enough to their experienced core to remain into playoff contention.
In new outfielders Michael Bourn and Drew Stubbs, plus catcher Caleb Joseph and pitchers Tyler Wilson and Jayson Aquino, each hopes they have what it takes to put these Orioles over the edge.
"It's always kind of a whirlwind whenever you get shifted around from one team to the next, but landing here for the month of September and being right in the thick of things is always exciting," said Stubbs, who the Orioles claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. "Playing meaningful games in September is something I think every player enjoys and looks forward to, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun this last stretch run."
Manager Buck Showalter said Stubbs and Bourn, who was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league outfielder Jason Heinrich, are going to be welcome additions to the team.
"You have one right-handed [Stubbs], one left-handed [in Bourn]," Showalter said. "Both of them can play all three positions, and you look at why they didn't stay where they were, it bodes well. They had a bunch of people come back, they needed the [roster] spot, both clubs. I've liked both of them from afar. I think they're two good additions for us. They're professional. They're experienced. We've been challenged defensively some late in the games, some things we've had to do that we didn't have to do early in the year when we had [outfielder Joey] Rickard here. It's kind of a piece we've been looking for for quite a while."
For the time being, both Bourn and Stubbs project as late-inning replacements who can add speed and defense off the bench.
Bourn, a two-time All-Star who has two Gold Gloves to his name, said he hopes the new faces can spark the Orioles.
"It's just fun to be in this kind of position," Bourn said. "I was in the position where our team, we were playing the spoiler role pretty much. Now, in the thick of things, trying to get to the playoffs, and that will be exciting to be a part of. … You always want to be in a position of being able to go and play the postseason. I think that's what every player that plays, plays for having a chance, having that opportunity, good competition, probably the best competition in baseball is the AL East. You've got four teams pretty much fighting for two spots. I think it's fun."
For the veteran Bourn and Stubbs, the handshakes in the Orioles clubhouse were introductory. For others, like Joseph, it was a welcome back. The longtime backup catcher was sent down to the minors last month to get him at-bats after lengthy spells on the bench for the Orioles. He said he valued his time down there getting regular chances at the plate and playing with his brother, Corban, but gets a sense that things are about to kick into gear for the major league team.
"There are guys who have been in this situation before, and there's not a panic level on this team," Joseph said. "Guys have been through the ringer and know how to prepare and know when to step on the gas, when to let off. That's something that's a credit to Buck and the organization, who have gotten the team in this position. The core group has been around long enough to have those ups and downs to know each game is important, but at the same time you can't just linger on one game. Knowing the experience in terms of when to hit the gas and when to take it off is huge. In terms of me personally, I'm trying to stay ready and whenever my name is called, hopefully produce."