In most cases, a team like the Baltimore Orioles could chalk up a lopsided 24-2 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday as a fluke. In a long 162-game MLB season, blowout losses can happen, and they usually don’t define a team. However, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde didn’t quite see it that way after the crushing 22-run loss.
While Hyde isn’t ready to throw in the towel, he was clearly frustrated after veteran starter Charlie Morton was hit hard once again—giving up seven earned runs on seven hits and four walks in just 2.1 innings. Hyde clearly had some frustrations to air.
Though he didn’t directly name GM Mike Elias or the Orioles’ front office, Hyde’s comments strongly suggested his anger was aimed in their direction. His frustration seemed to go beyond just Sunday’s game, also reflecting the team’s disappointing 9-12 start to the season.
According to Andy Kostka of the *Baltimore Banner*, Hyde didn’t hold back in criticizing the Orioles’ pitching, calling the loss “embarrassing” and emphasizing that having starters who can’t last even five innings isn’t a recipe for success in Major League Baseball.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde didn’t hold back after Baltimore’s crushing 24-2 defeat against the Reds. Just 21 games into the season, Hyde appears to be reaching his limit with how the front office managed the team’s pitching this offseason.
While a loss that lopsided is often brushed off as just one game in a long 162-game season, Hyde’s frustration suggests something deeper. The blowout wasn’t just about that game—it was the latest in a string of disappointing performances from the rotation, especially from veteran Charlie Morton, who gave up seven earned runs in just over two innings.
Though he didn’t name names, Hyde’s pointed comments were clearly aimed at GM Mike Elias and the front office. After Sunday’s loss, he described the team’s pitching struggles as “embarrassing,” emphasizing that starters consistently failing to make it through five innings is no way to compete in the big leagues.
Hyde’s criticisms aren’t without merit. The Orioles have only logged five quality starts so far, three from Zach Eflin. Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano are the only pitchers with ERAs under 6.00. It’s a stark contrast to a team that, in recent years, looked poised for a deep playoff run.
Much of the frustration seems rooted in offseason decisions. While Baltimore hoped Grayson Rodriguez would stay healthy, even his presence wouldn’t have fixed a rotation that already lacked depth. Elias reportedly made a weak effort to re-sign Corbin Burnes and instead brought in Morton, who’s now sporting a 10.89 ERA.
For a club with exciting young talent and ownership more open to spending, the offseason moves don’t align with a team trying to contend. As the Orioles slide early in the season, Hyde’s growing anger is understandable. Even if he didn’t say it outright, it’s clear he’s directing that frustration at the front office for putting him in a tough spot.