Rivera, Holliday make case for postseason spots in Orioles’ 9-2 win over Twins

MINNEAPOLIS–What happened? With home-field advantage clinched the night before, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde decided to rest regulars Colton Cowser, Gunnar Henderson, Cedric Mullins and Jordan Westburg before the wild-card series starts on Tuesday.

Hyde played Emmanuel Rivera at third base and Jackson Holliday at shortstop, and they both produced.

Rivera had four hits, two home runs, a double, single and four RBIs. He also walked. His 11 total bases were the highest by an Oriole this season.

Holliday led off and started at shortstop, both for the first time. He had three hits and two walks in the Orioles’ 9-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.

It was the Orioles’ 90^th win, the first time the team has won 90 in consecutive seasons since 1982 and 1983.

Left-hander Tucker Davidson, who spent the season at Triple-A Norfolk, had his contract purchased on Saturday, and he pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits for the win.

“Yeah, that was nice,” Hyde said. “He’s pitched in some big games in his career, and had a nice year in Triple-A. Awesome to see him get an opportunity and take full advantage of it tonight.”

Ryan O’Hearn hit his second two-run home run in as many games, and Adley Rutschman drove in two runs.

The Orioles won two of three against the Yankees and the first two against the Twins. They’ve won consecutive series against winning teams for the first time since June 14^th-20^th when they beat the Phillies and the Yankees.

Who will the Orioles play in the wild-card series? The Detroit Tigers lead Kansas City by a game in the race for the second wild-card spot. The Tigers lost to the Chicago White Sox, 4-0, and the Royals lost to the Atlanta Braves, 2-1. If Detroit wins or Kansas City loses on Sunday, the Tigers will play the Orioles.

Since Cleveland lost to Houston, the Yankees are the top seed and will play the Orioles in the Division Series if the Orioles win the wild-card series.

What did Rivera and Holliday think about their games? Rivera was acquired off waivers from Miami on August 21^st and is making a case for a spot on the postseason roster.

Rivera had a terrific game. Since September 6^th, he’s hit .364.

“Incredible. He’s just done a great job since he’s been here,” Hyde said. “He’s filled in for us in an amazing way. Great to see him have a huge night tonight on national TV. Everybody’s excited for him in there.”

Rivera was claimed while Westburg was on the injured list with a broken hand and has shown his value. Saturday’s game was one to remember.

“It’s something really special, and I think every baseball player hopes to have a night like tonight,” he said. “Thankfully, I was able to have that one tonight.”

Rivera came from the Marlins, who have lost 100 games, to a postseason team.

“That’s what you work all year for, and those are the expectations you have coming into a season,” Rivera said. “Some things didn’t work out the way you may want it to, but at the end of the day, there’s a God up there and things ultimately fall the way they do for a reason.”

It was quite a night for the left side of the infield, and Holliday marveled at Rivera’s game.

“It’s been awesome,” he said. “He brings a lot of really good energy and kind of edge to our power and it’s been really fun to watch what he’s been able to put together for the past month or so that he’s been with us. It’s been awesome.”

It was only the third time Henderson didn’t play in a game, and Holliday made the most of his night.

“It was really fun to be able to lead off a big league game and play shortstop is pretty special for me,” he said. “Have fun, put together a good game, and a good offensive show for the team.”

Will Rivera and Holliday both be on the postseason roster? The Orioles haven’t decided if they’ll go with 14 position players and 12 pitchers or 13 of each for the wild-card series.

“I think it’s more pitching decisions with kind of how we’re gonna line up bullpen-wise,” Hyde said. “Still waiting to see who we play. We’ve played really well on this road trip. I’m encouraged how we’re playing going into the postseason.”

Rivera played for Arizona in the 2023 World Series, and went 2-for-5. He is excited about another postseason possibility.

“We’re here to do the work, and any opportunity I have to be here with the team and help the team win, I’m always looking forward to it,” Rivera said.

Holliday has had a challenging first year in the majors, and while he’s not likely to play much in the postseason, he could be a pinch-runner and another left-handed batter.

“I’m extremely excited,” Holliday said. “Obviously, this is the goal, to be able to play in the playoffs, to play for a really good team and just blessed to be here.”

What does it mean? Hyde indicated before the game that there are still roster spots to be decided, and Rivera made his case for a spot on the postseason roster.

What’s the word? “I think so, and I think this is time to do it, right? Getting closer to the playoffs, I think this is a really good place.”-Holliday on the Orioles’ play.

What’s the stat of the day? 60. Davidson is the 60^th player used by the Orioles this season, two short of the record 62 in 2021.

What’s next? Albert Suárez (8-7, 3.74) will face Bailey Ober (12-8, 3.94) in the final game of the regular season on Sunday at 3:10 p.m.