Brandon Hyde Tabs Alex Cobb as Orioles Opening Day Starter

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Despite his rocky first season with the Orioles in 2018, and his rocky spring training thus far, veteran right-hander Alex Cobb will be the Baltimore Orioles Opening Day starter. The announcement came on Tuesday from first-year O’s skipper Brandon Hype and, according to MLB.com O’s beat writer Joe Trezza, Hyde sealed the deal with a hug.

On such a young team, Hyde obviously values what Cobb brings to the table: veteran leadership, general MLB know-how, and a resume solid enough to carry some locker room clout.

The plan is for the 31-year-old to set the tone for a season most already feel is lost. According to Cobb, who spoke to reporters after the news broke, he hopes to prove that “no matter what happens this year, you can see us willing to compete.”

It’s not totally crazy; after starting his four-year, $57 million contract with a string of tough outings, he actually finished 2018 pretty strong. From August 1st on, his final eight starts of the season, Cobb lowered his ERA from 6.08 to 4.90 and had more 100-plus-pitch outings (4) than his previous 19 starts combined (3). Look at the comparison below; the potential for Cobb to earn his contract is clearly there.

Alex Cobb 2018 Breakdown:

First 19 starts

  • W-L: 2-14
  • ERA: 6.08
  • BA Allowed: .310
  • OPS Allowed: .883
  • H/9: 11.5

Final 8 starts

  • W-L: 3-1
  • ERA: 2.40
  • BA Allowed: .220
  • OPS Allowed: .647
  • H/9: 7.2
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Baltimore will open their season on March 28th in the Bronx against the New York Yankees. Cobb, per Trezza, will be the fourth Opening Day starter for Baltimore over the last four seasons.

CATEGORY: MLB