{"id":11581203,"date":"2025-07-27T06:30:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T10:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/?p=11581203"},"modified":"2025-07-27T15:20:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T19:20:47","slug":"orioles-tyler-oneill-injuries-frustrated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/2025\/07\/27\/orioles-tyler-oneill-injuries-frustrated\/","title":{"rendered":"Injuries are nothing new for Orioles\u2019 Tyler O\u2019Neill. He\u2019s frustrated too."},"content":{"rendered":"

The Orioles knew the risks when they signed Tyler O\u2019Neill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only once in his career had the veteran outfielder played a full season, arriving in Baltimore on a three-year, $49.5 million deal this offseason with 14 trips to the injured list on his record. O\u2019Neill\u2019s power was undeniable \u2014 he mashed 31 home runs in only 113 games last year \u2014 but the Orioles acquired him understanding that he <\/span>wasn\u2019t going to play all 162<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

So far, those risks have proven to be legitimate concerns. O\u2019Neill, 30, has returned to the IL twice with separate neck and shoulder injuries in his first season with the Orioles, limiting him to 36 games in which he\u2019s slashed .211\/.298\/.398 with just five homers and 15 RBIs. <\/span><\/p>\n

With Baltimore (46-58) already <\/span>beginning to act like sellers<\/span><\/a> ahead of Thursday\u2019s trade deadline, O\u2019Neill has been among the most disappointing players on the roster this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s been a grind, man,\u201d O\u2019Neill said. \u201cIt hasn’t been easy. Obviously, I’ve been injured a lot and just trying to fight my way back and figure out that routine in the cage and the prep and all that stuff. So, hopefully I’m figuring out that click now and can continue forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, I have been dealt with the injury bug this year. Obviously, I’m doing what I have to do to make those adaptations and get myself ready on a day-to-day basis, and there\u2019s something new every year. There\u2019s something new every day, honestly. Just trying to keep the progress.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His injuries have had lingering effects on his performance at the plate. O\u2019Neill tried to play through the neck inflammation that sidelined him in late April, even though he <\/span>wasn\u2019t able to turn his head all the way<\/span><\/a> to either side. He then attempted to come back too early from his shoulder impingement in June and had to <\/span>shut back down<\/span><\/a>, undergoing platelet-rich plasma injections before finally making it back in early July.<\/span><\/p>\n

The constant injury management and time in the trainer\u2019s room have affected his ability to get his swing mechanics in a good place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think as his body got beat up, he was unable to do the work in the cage necessary to make the corrections he needed to make as his swing got out of whack,\u201d interim manager Tony Mansolino said. \u201cTyler is a needs-his-swing-to-feel-good guy, and I think lately as his body has felt better and his health has improved, he’s had the ability to get in the cage and take the reps he’s needed to make the corrections he’s had. So, as I watch him start to perform on the field, it absolutely coincides with the amount of work he\u2019s been able to do in the cage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After dealing with some \u201cgeneral soreness\u201d and missing two more games last week, O\u2019Neill has come back showing signs of progress. He\u2019s collected multiple hits in three straight contests, going 6-for-10 with two home runs and a double. The Orioles brought the right-handed O\u2019Neill in to help address their struggles against left-handed pitchers, and he has as many hits against them over the past three days (three) as he did the entire season to that point.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m feeling pretty good in there right now,\u201d O\u2019Neill said. \u201cJust really enjoy being here with these guys, man. It’s such a good group of guys here, and I just want to be out there grinding with them. It’s fun playing every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Baltimore
Tyler O'Neill has slashed .211\/.298\/.398 with just five homers and 15 RBIs this season. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s an encouraging sign for a player the Orioles are likely to have under contract for the next two seasons. O\u2019Neill has an opt-out that he could exercise this winter to reenter free agency, but he would have to finish the season on a Babe Ruth-caliber tear to justify walking away from the remaining $33 million on his deal. Even then, it might not be enough because of the injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n