Orioles’ Chris Davis Will Remain on the Bench

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis has been benched since Monday and the team’s manager Buck Showalter said prior to Friday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Miami Marlins that he does not expect that decision to change in the near future.

Showalter while talking with reporters said that Davis was continuing to work on some things and when the manager is approached and told that Davis is ready to return to the lineup he will return, but at this point nothing is imminent.

It is almost hard to believe when looking at Davis’ numbers. He currently has a batting average of .150 and a slugging percentage of just .232 with nine runs scored. In the 52 games he has played Davis has four homers, 15 RBIs and has struck out 86 times.

This season Davis is earning $23 million and will do so for the next four seasons. That is significant for an Orioles team that needs his permission to send him down to the minors and would absorb his huge contract if they released the veteran.

Showalter told reporters that when they, meaning Davis’ handlers and we, the coaching staff, feel that Davis is ready, he will return to the lineup, but the manager added that he is not working the cages each day with the slugger meaning several others will be involved in determining when Davis is ready to return.

Showalter added that he had spoken to Davis just before speaking to reporters in case they were asking about the approach that is being taken. The Orioles manager added that Davis knew what was taking place before Friday and added that Davis was busy working on things with coaches.

Baltimore made several moves on Friday, including calling up Double-A player Corban Joseph. The first baseman debuted in the major leagues on Friday collecting one hit in four at bats.

Baltimore is currently in last place in the American League East at 19-49. After just 68 games, the Orioles are 27 ½ games out of first place and have lost eight straight after Friday’s defeat.