Borgschulte on Orioles’ Offense, Hays, Mateo, and Henderson…

Fluctuations in run production are normal over a 162-game season. The Orioles exemplify this, as shown by their recent performance: shut out by the Yankees on May 1, scoring seven runs the next day, then varying from scoring 11 runs against the Reds to being no-hit for five innings before a Gunnar Henderson three-run homer against the Twins. This month, they ranked 21st in runs scored, a drop from their fourth-place ranking in April.

Co-hitting coach Matt Borgschulte emphasized the importance of maintaining good at-bats and pressuring pitchers. Austin Hays, before his calf strain, had been improving, with hits in five of his last six games. Borgschulte praised Hays’ hard work and energy.

Jorge Mateo’s unexpected rise as the everyday second baseman has been notable, with hits in seven of his last eight games. Borgschulte highlighted Mateo’s energy and potential, particularly his effectiveness on the basepaths.

Ryan Mountcastle, struggling this month, was given a break by Manager Brandon Hyde, who assured he would return soon. This approach mirrored the handling of Cedric Mullins earlier in the season.

Gunnar Henderson has remained consistently excellent, leading the team in multiple offensive categories and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. His recent performance includes home runs in four consecutive games, with one of them clearing the challenging left field wall at Camden Yards. Borgschulte and Hyde have both expressed amazement at Henderson’s abilities, with Hyde humorously noting his need for a thesaurus to describe him.

Henderson briefly led the majors with 15 home runs, a feat only achieved by a few shortstops historically. He acknowledged the significance of this accomplishment while maintaining his focus on helping the team win.