The Orioles are expected to promote top prospect Coby Mayo when rosters expand Sunday, three sources with direct knowledge told The Baltimore Banner, giving the infielder a second opportunity in the major leagues.
Mayo went 1-for-17 in his first stint, which lasted only seven games in early August. But the 22-year-old has been a force for Triple-A Norfolk and many prospects struggle when they first arrive in the majors. For the Tides, Mayo is hitting .293 with a .943 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Mayo has clubbed 22 home runs at that level, including two since his return to the minors.
The Orioles can call up two players when rosters expand to 28 on Sunday. It can be two position players or one pitcher and one position player. Mayo was the expected choice, given his minor league success and that he already featured on the 40-man roster.
Mayo is expected to join the Orioles on Sunday in Denver for the finale of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies. The Baltimore Sun first reported Mayo’s expected promotion.
With injuries to several infielders, Mayo could also be a boost. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle is recovering from a sprained left wrist, and the timeline for his return is murky. Infielder Jordan Westburg is training one-handed while his right hand heals from a fracture. Jorge Mateo, who primarily played second base this year, is out for the season after Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on his nonthrowing arm.
Mayo is Baltimore’s top-ranked prospect because infielder Jackson Holliday recently graduated from the rankings. He was chosen out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, and his hitting prowess has elevated him through the minor leagues at a rapid pace.
Mayo’s defense has improved over the years, too. As a third baseman (although he can play first, too), Mayo has worked on his throwing mechanics primarily. He has still scattered the ball around at times, and he recorded one error in his seven games for the Orioles.
But his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame moves well at third base and he has shown he can get to most balls. That area of his game will continue to develop, as well.
In the meantime, Mayo will look to provide a boost for an offense that has struggled in August. The Orioles’ .232 team average this month is the seventh worst in the majors.
