My fellow Birds Watcher contributor Tim Smart drafted an interesting article regarding Orioles’ manager Brandon Hyde’s decision-making process.

His fundamental focus was on Hyde’s constant juggling of the Orioles’ starting lineup. In an April 6 loss against the Kansas City Royals, for example, Hyde rested his center fielder, Cedric Mullins, and played Jorge Mateo, usually a shortstop.

The Orioles manager had few options since Dylan Carlson was in the minor leagues at Norfolk, and Colton Cowser is on the IL. Since Mullins is recovering from elbow surgery, resting the veteran outfielder is understandable.

Yet the question remains: is the injury bug influencing Brandon Hyde’s decision to juggle the Orioles’ starting lineup, or is this constant juggling of the batting order a reflection of his managing style?

The Orioles hired Hyde at a time when the club was in a rebuilding process. His experience in player development was an attraction to a new front office with the task of rebuilding the Orioles into a pennant contender. Combined with his coaching experience at the major league level, Hyde was instrumental in helping to shape the Chicago Cubs into a World Series champion.

According to Orioles’ vice president and general manager Mike Elias, these character traits prepared Hyde for the job and distinguished him throughout the interview.

Injuries to the Orioles’ roster are forcing Brandon Hyde out of his comfort zone

From 2019 to 2021, Brandon Hyde received his baptism under fire as the Orioles skipper. He led the team to a 54-108 won-loss record, their second straight 100-loss season.

Since the Orioles were in a rebuilding phase, Hyde exhibited a management style that was emblematic of Hall of Fame New York Yankees manager Casey Stengel: the use of the platoon system, moving runners in scoring position, and having his players attempt sacrifice bunts at a higher rate than any other major league manager.

The COVID-19 pandemic abbreviated the 2020 season, and the Orioles finished with a 25-35 won-loss record, fourth in the AL East ahead of the Boston Red Sox. In 2021, the Orioles finished the season with a 52-110 won-loss record.

In 2022, the Baltimore Orioles finished fourth in the American League East with an 83-79 won-loss record. Hyde’s 31-game improvement resulted in a second-place finish in the AL Manager of the Year voting.

In 2023 and 2024, the Orioles turned the corner as Hyde led the club to the AL East Division championship with a 101-61 won-loss record, only to lose to the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. The following year, the Birds finished second in the AL

East with a 91-71 record, only to lose out in the wild-card to the Kansas City Royals. Clearly, the Orioles fans have a higher expectation of the team’s chances to bring the World Series crown to Baltimore.

A combination of the injury bug and Brandon Hyde’s management philosophy appears to influence his decision to juggle the Orioles’ starting lineup. Only time will tell whether this constant juggling of the Birds’ lineup is valid.