Tyler O'Neill homered again and Tomoyuki Sugano dominated as the Orioles beat the Rockies 5-1 on July 27. See how their key performances impact the O's and the trade market.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a perfect Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards for the Orioles, who pieced together a convincing 5-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win, their second in a row, was powered by two compelling storylines: Tyler O'Neill continuing his incredible power surge since returning from injury, and Tomoyuki Sugano delivering a masterful performance on the mound just as his name heats up in trade talks.
We're seeing guys step up, especially with some of our regulars getting healthy again.
Tyler O'Neill is officially back. For the third consecutive game, the Orioles outfielder went deep, launching a two-run homer in the third inning that set the tone for the day. It was his sixth home run of the season, with a remarkable three coming in this series alone. Since returning from the injured list, O'Neill has been a force, reminding everyone of the game-changing power he brings to the middle of the order. Half of his 26 hits this season have now gone for extra bases, and his recent tear has been crucial for an offense finding its confidence.
With the trade deadline just days away, all eyes were on Tomoyuki Sugano, and he delivered. The 35-year-old righty was dominant, carving through the Rockies' lineup for six innings, allowing just one run while striking out eight. It was a crucial bounce-back performance after a rough stretch where he posted a 7.88 ERA over his previous seven starts. Signed to a one-year deal, Sugano is a prime trade candidate, and Sunday's outing might have just increased his value significantly for contending teams looking for a veteran arm.
While O'Neill and Sugano grabbed the headlines, Sunday's win was a true team effort. Dylan Carlson came up clutch with a two-run single in the second inning to get the scoring started. Later, Gunnar Henderson's aggressive baserunning allowed him to score on a wild pitch, adding a key insurance run. Defensively, Jordan Westburg made the play of the game with a spectacular diving stop at second base in the sixth. Seranthony Domínguez then slammed the door in the ninth, striking out Orlando Arcia to secure the 5-1 victory and improve the Orioles' record to 47-58.
The action wasn't limited to the field. The front office finalized a deal sending lefty reliever Gregory Soto to the New York Mets for a pair of pitching prospects, RHP Wellington Aracena and RHP Cameron Foster. To further bolster the bullpen, the team also recalled RHP Yaramil Hiraldo from Triple-A Norfolk. These moves signal that the Orioles are actively reshaping their roster for the future as the deadline approaches.
With two straight wins and key players like O'Neill finding their form, there's a renewed energy around the team. However, the future remains uncertain. Will Sugano's stellar start be his last in an Orioles uniform? What other moves will the front office make? As the team gets healthier—with Albert Suárez nearing a return and updates on Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Gary Sánchez—the next few days will be pivotal in shaping the rest of the 2025 season and beyond. For now, Birdland can celebrate a well-earned series win.
