Orioles Nolan Reimold Staying in the Lineup

Baltimore Left Fielder Makes the Most of His Opportunity

Jun 15, 2009

The Baltimore Orioles called up outfielder Nolan Reimold in mid-May to try and plug a gaping hole in their lineup. The result is an everyday player not named Wieters

For Baltimore Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold, flying under the media radar of the recent Matt Wieters call-up to the major leagues might just be the best scenario possible for success. Indeed, since being called up from AAA Norfolk in May, Reimold has made the most of his opportunity outside of the limelight.

Reimold's Minor League Career

The 25-year old Reimold was picked in the second round of the 2005 draft out of Bowling Green State (Ohio) University. Reimold struggled through some injuries in his first few seasons in the minors, and his breakout minor league season was in 2008 at AA Bowie where he hit 25 home runs. Reimold was assigned to AAA Norfolk for the 2009 season. While in Norfolk, Reimold made his case for a major league call up:

With the Orioles left fielders Felix Pie (obtained from the Chicago Cubs in the off-season) and Lou Montanez both struggling at the plate, and Luke Scott nursing a sore arm, Oriole management called up Reimold on May 14 to start against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City. Reimold played in each of the four game set, compiling four hits and two runs batted in.

The Orioles traveled to New York to face the Yankees after the KC series, and Reimold collected his first major league home run, a solo affair off Mariano Rivera in a losing cause. He has slugged six more to date, showing his power in the minors was not a fluke.

Reimold’s Major League Season To Date

The Orioles placed Scott on the disabled list shortly after Reimold’s arrival, providing him with some time to settle in. Since then and despite Scott’s comeback from injury, Reimold is a virtual fixture in the lineup for the Orioles, and continues to reward Oriole management and fans with a solid effort at the plate and in the field.

Reimold and Wieters are Orioles Future

Both Reimold and Wieters will be in the spotlight for the remainder of the season, as both represent parts of the pieces of Oriole management and fan hopes for the long term. While Wieters has the burden of “can’t miss” expectations, Reimold will get every bit as much of a long-term period to grow and improve during the remainder of the season.

He has thus far proven to be a very pleasant surprise, and with Pie relegated to late inning defensive duty, should get ample opportunity to build on an impressive start.

The copyright of the article Orioles Nolan Reimold Staying in the Lineup in Major League Baseball is owned by Marc Bastow. Permission to republish Orioles Nolan Reimold Staying in the Lineup in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.