An injury to Freddy Galvis placed the Orioles in need of an infielder that could play shortstop. The recent return of Austin Hays, an outfielder capable of playing center field, reduced the need for depth in the grass.
The sequence proved to be a lethal combination for Ryan McKenna.
Baltimore optioned McKenna after a win over the Yankees Monday night. The Orioles recalled veteran utilityman Pat Valaika prior to last night’s contest against New York. The Birds had optioned Valaika after he managed just one hit in four games early on.
The Orioles know what they have in Valaika.