Another day, another Baltimore Orioles prospect set to make his MLB debut. Connor Norby is the latest player to join the majors, stepping in for the injured Jorge Mateo.
Norby’s promotion comes amidst a series of roster moves, including the designation of reliever Thyago Vieira, who was acquired by the Orioles on May 25.
The Orioles announced all their June 3 transactions on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Vieira’s stint with the Orioles was brief, lasting just one game and less than a full inning.
In his sole appearance on May 27, Vieira walked four batters and allowed a 3-run triple, surrendering all three runs scored by the Red Sox before being replaced by Cionel Perez.
His departure clears the way for Norby’s long-awaited MLB career.
Norby’s Reaction to MLB Call-Up
After 198 games with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Norby is making his major league debut.
Ranked as a top-10 second base prospect, the 23-year-old has posted a .286/.374/.510 slash line with nine home runs and 36 RBIs in 2024.
Speaking to reporters during batting practice on June 3, Norby shared his excitement about the promotion.
“It’s what you dream of from the first time you pick up a baseball,” Norby told MASN Sports. “It’s just really special, and I will try to enjoy it as best I can but also get ready and try to play my game tonight.”
Norby believes his patience in Triple-A has paid off and that this is his moment to shine.
“I have felt prepared for a while, but it’s not necessarily my timing, it’s God’s timing,” Norby continued. “There is a spot open right now, and I am just hoping to fill that void and help us win some games.”
Norby will start at second base and bat ninth against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 3.
Update on Jorge Mateo from Brandon Hyde
During the same batting practice, manager Brandon Hyde provided an update on Jorge Mateo, who is on the 7-Day Concussion List.
The timeline for Mateo’s return remains uncertain.
“It’s a concussion and we are hoping it’s not going to be too long,” Hyde told MASN. “You never know with these things. He is on the 7-day list, and hopefully, it’s not much longer.”
Mateo was injured on June 2 when teammate Cedric Mullins accidentally hit him with a bat in the dugout.
“I was getting loose, looking at the pitcher, and did a circle stretch. He was right behind me. Didn’t see him,” Mullins explained postgame.
Mateo, in his first full season at second base, has been crucial defensively and is also contributing offensively with a .246/.294/.447 slash line, three home runs, and 13 RBIs.
Norby will fill Mateo’s role in the infield and at the plate in his MLB debut and possibly for several games thereafter.
His first shot in the majors comes with a full-time starting role, though it may be temporary. Management and fans will be closely watching his performance.
