Since joining the Orioles’ rotation in April of his rookie season, John Means has been its most consistent piece. His 23 starts of at least six innings account for nearly a third of Baltimore’s such performances over the past three years and are more than any other pair of starters combined.
That’s what made Saturday, when Means left after two outs with left shoulder fatigue, so frightening for the Orioles, even if Means clarified afterward the injury in his deltoid muscle is more of an annoyance that he’s dealt with previously than a serious issue.
Neither Means nor Hyde knew whether Means would make his next turn through the rotation, with off days coming Monday and Thursday enabling him to be skipped without altering the rotation otherwise.