Orioles Promote Brandon Young

Orioles No. 19 prospect to make MLB debut today against Reds

*Cover Photo Credit: Ulysses Munoz, The Baltimore Banner

Fans scratched their heads earlier in the week after the Orioles assigned No. 19 prospect, RHP Brandon Young, from Triple-A Norfolk to High-A Aberdeen earlier this week. With yesterday's news, it all makes sense now. With Norfolk on the road in Omaha and Chesapeake on the road in Richmond, the Orioles wanted to kep him close specifically for today.

His Major League Debut.

Brandon Young will make his Major League debut today. Photo: Skylar Prieto, Norfolk Tides

Young is being called up to the big leagues by the Orioles. He is set to make his big league debut this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. His first big league pitch is set for 4:05 pm EST.

The Orioles are completely depleted of rotation depth after much of their pitching talent currently sits on the Injured List. Their best starter, Zach Eflin, recently landed himself there after a right lat strain suffered against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Grayson Rodriguez has been there the whole season and may stay longer depending on what his recent MRI reveals about his sore shoulder. In addition, Kyle Bradish (Tommy John surgery) and Albert Suarez (shoulder) won't be back for months.

Simply put, the Orioles need help in the rotation. Right now, there is no better guy to help out than Young.

Young was signed as a free agent out of LSU back in 2020 and has spent the past five years working his way through the Minor League system. He saw immediate success in 2021 as he posted a 3.52 ERA, a 1.209 WHIP, and 114 strikeouts in 84 innings piched for both Delmarva and Aberdeen. Primed for a breakout 2022 with the Baysox, his season was quickly ended aftter two starts thanks to Tommy John surgery. He spent 2023 bouncing around several different levels on rehab assignments, preparing ahead for a full and healthy 2024 season.

Since then, he has healed and has been a mainstay in the Tides' rotation. In 20 games fr the Tides last season, he posted a 1.281 WHIP, a 3.44 ERA, and 96 strikeouts in 89 AAA innings. So far this season, he has made three starts and has posted a 2.76 ERA paired with an 0.918 WHIP, 17 strikeouts, and just two walks.

He has been Mr. Consistency for the Tides, in addition to being a strikeout machine. His 313 career Minor League strikeouts equate to a 10.6 K/9. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and a deadly slider, Young knows how to command the zone, stay ahead in the count, and come at hitters aggresively with his best material. His ability to throw strikes has led him to great success in professional baseball thus far. If it carries into the big leagues, then the Orioles have a hidden gem in the makings in the 26-year-old righty from Lumberton, Texas.

Orioles fans, keep close eyes on Brandon Young today during his debut. This could be a very special arm in the makings in Birdland, and now he has reached the biggest stage.