Means

BALTIMORE, Md. — John Means was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

He’s had to scratch and use infinite patience to get back again to the Baltimore Orioles.

Now 31, Means came from Olathe, Kan. to Morgantown where he pitched for WVU in the 2013 and 2014 college seasons.

After recording a two-year pitching record of 10-6 with a 3.24 ERA, he was selected in the 11th round of 2014 free agent draft by Baltimore.

He joined a struggling Oriole team owned by Peter G. Angelos in 2019 and even made the American League All-Star team that season.

That was his rookie year and he finished it with a 12-11 record and 3.60 ERA.

On May 5, 2021 Means pitched a no-hitter, but then had arm problems that quickly led to the disabled list and a long stint on the sidelines. Before he ever returned to the active roster, Means was forced to incur Tommy John surgery in 2022 and hasn’t been consistently healthy until now.

With starting pitchers Grayson Rodriguez and Tyler Wells on the injured list, the Orioles plucked Means off the Class AAA Norfolk roster for last Saturday’s start against Cincinnati on the road.

Means responded to the renewed opportunity — to say the least.

He pitched seven strong, walk-less innings against the Reds, allowing just three hits and fanning eight. Baltimore won a low-run game and then completed a series swept against Cincinnati on Sunday.

Means had been at Class AAA Norfolk on assignment and in 18 innings had not been overpowering or even impressive at all. His ERA was just over 13 and he had not been fooling the minor leaguers.

Seven innings is unusual for any pitcher in his first major league start, but Means was totally in control of the Reds’ lineup with his eight strikeouts and no walks.

Baltimore continues its hand fighting for first place in the American League East with New York.

Means’ winning effort was as bright a beginning to his possible comeback as will be seen in the American League this season. And it was vitally needed with both Rodriguez and Wells sidelined with no planned return date announced as yet.

From West Virginia University and not drafted until the 11th round.

There are no silver spoons in Morgantown or on operating tables where arm surgeries are carried out.