As it’s been with the Orioles all season long, we can’t seem to get through the week without another injury. Shortstop J.J. Hardy left yesterday’s game with lower-back spasms, something that happened earlier in the season. But manager Buck Showalter is confident that it’s nothing serious (he should be back in the lineup tonight) and this all came at the end of an amazing week for Hardy.
Stud of the Week for August 25-September 1:
J.J. Hardy
The Line:
In this past 22 games entering Monday, Hardy is hitting .333 with five home runs, 17 RBIs, and has one of the O’s best runners-in-scoring-position stat at .350.
Studliest Moment:
Hardy hit his fourth career grand slam during a seven-run sixth inning on Sunday, which sparked the Orioles’ 12-8 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
The Clincher:
While Hardy’s batting had a slow start this season, the Gold Glovers fielding has always been impressive, something he demonstrated further in Sunday’s game, getting three separate and equally difficult outs.
“The three plays J.J. made in the field today—the ball up the middle, the shift play that he goes over and makes in a key situation, and the play that ended the game is a very difficult play,” Showalter told media. “Just with the naked eye, people see a play up the middle, kind of routine. They are far from routine. Those are plays he’s spoiled us with, but we don’t take them for granted. He’s a special defender.”