Locked On Orioles - Daily Podcast On The Baltimore Orioles Orioles Mailbag: Tyler O'Neill's role, Trevor Rogers' turnaround, ABS thoughts
Apr 3, 2026
Discussion covers Trevor Rogers regaining velocity, command, and a revamped fastball and sweeper that unlocked his upside. They debate Tyler O'Neill’s slow start, injury history, and possible bench or platoon roles if he can’t play every day. The ABS challenge system’s impact is praised, including Baltimore’s stellar overturn record and the added strategic drama.
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Trevor Rogers Rebuilt With Velocity And A New Fastball
- Trevor Rogers regained form mainly by adding velocity and reshaping his pitch mix into a four-seam heavy approach.
- Connor Newcomb cites a jump from ~91 mph to 93–95 mph and moving the sinker from primary to a lesser pitch as the turning points.
Sweeper Addition Turned Rogers Into A Different Pitcher
- The sweeper pitch became a decisive weapon after Rogers reintroduced it and learned to command it well.
- Connor notes he backdoored the sweeper for called strikes versus righties and used it as an early out pitch versus lefties, expanding his effectiveness.
Limit O'Neill's Workload And Use Him Against Lefties
- Manage Tyler O'Neill's workload and use him as a platoon/bench weapon rather than forcing everyday starts.
- Connor recommends off days, DH/right-field platoons versus lefties, and late-inning lefty pinch-hit roles to keep him healthy and productive.