Last Saturday finally gave Birdland a moment that Orioles fans have been waiting for all season: the debut of DL Hall. It was a joyous, exciting moment filled with hope that further proved—as these Orioles have shown us all season—the future is truly now. Then the game started. After seeing the often-overpowering lefty be overpowered himself, that optimism quickly turned to frustration and disappointment.
It’s worth starting the greater discussion around the latest promotion of an elite prospect with a caveat. DL’s debut did not come at the best time for the player. Hall’s last five minor league starts prior to his promotion were one of the worst stretches of his minor league career.