ST. LOUIS – A game-saving catch in Saturday’s ninth inning kept the Orioles in the running to eventually secure a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, but it may have had lasting consequences. Outfielder Tyler O'Neill did not play in Sunday’s series finale and was not in the lineup Tuesday against Cardinals lefty starter Matthew Liberatore.
An MRI on Tuesday in St. Louis revealed what O’Neill said was a strain of his rotator cuff, and he was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder inflammation.
“All I do is try and go out and play a hard game every single day and give it my best effort,” O’Neill said. “This is unfortunately the result of playing hard sometimes, and I’m just going to do my best to manage it and rehab it.”
Infielder Luis Vázquez had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk to replace O’Neill on the active roster.
“It’s a big blow for us,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Ultimately, hopefully this IL stint is quick, and he can get back to helping us win, because we need it.”
Having played the first six seasons of his career with the Cardinals, O’Neill was set to be one of a cadre of former Redbirds returning to St. Louis this week. Andrew Kittredge and Yohel Pozo are also former Cardinals, as is Ryan Helsley, currently on the injured list and recovering from right elbow inflammation. Infielder Jackson Holliday also spent a significant portion of his childhood around Busch Stadium as his father, Matt, played here.
“Still feels like home out here, man,” said O’Neill. “I love playing in this ballpark. Fans are so passionate. This is a great part of the country overall.”
His wife, Stephanie, and their two daughters traveled on the road trip to their former home, enjoying a Monday off-day for family recollections.
O’Neill signed with Baltimore prior to the 2025 season. He’s batting .212 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in his second season in the Charm City, which Albernaz acknowledged hadn’t gotten off to a great start but in which he had recently seen important progress.
“The pro that he is, and the track record, just kept working,” Albernaz said. “He's been a real force for us, especially against left-handed pitching, and was outstanding in right field for us, putting his body on the line, making great throws.”
“I’d do it again for these guys,” O’Neill insisted. “It was a big situation, and that ball had to get caught, or that run was going to score.”
Both Albernaz and O’Neill said they were hopeful the outfielder would be able to return before the end of the season.