The Orioles will lean on late-inning defensive replacements down the stretch

The phrase “defense wins championships” may not have originated in baseball, but nobody should downplay its value in the sport. The players standing behind the pitcher can impact the outcome on any given night, and games often depend on the ability of players to routinely make the routine plays.

The Orioles have valued defensive performance during this winning window, and the trend should continue down the stretch. However, recent additions to the ballclub could test Brandon Hyde’s dedication to defense.

The team recently recalled a pair of rookie infielders to help offset injuries to Jordan Westburg and Jorge Mateo. Jackson Holliday, the game’s top prospect, grades as a player capable of…