Two Orioles Players Hit the Restricted List Ahead of Toronto Series

The Orioles begin their four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight.

Unfortunately for the Orioles, two players will be sidelined for the duration of the series.  

Anthony Santander and Keegan Akin have been placed on the restricted list. 

The Orioles placed star outfielder Anthony Santander and left-handed reliever Keegan Akin on the restricted list ahead of a four-game series against the Blue Jays in Toronto.https://t.co/YeRaDDAyq3

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 13, 2022

The loss of both players is significant. 

Santander is the Orioles' power hitter, leading the team with eleven homeruns, while Akin is nothing to sneeze at, leading the Orioles' bullpen with a 0.87 WHIP.   

#Bluejays open a 4-gamer at home against short-handed 26-35 #Orioles tonight.

Anthony Santander, O's leader with 11 HR and 3rd in OPS, isn't here. Nor is lefty Keegan Akin, whose 0.87 WHIP out of the bullpen leads the team.

Both chose not to be vaccinated, so can't play here.

— Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness) June 13, 2022

The news obviously comes as a disappointment for Orioles fans. However, since the reason for sidelining the two players is likely due to the fact that they have not received a Covid-19 vaccine and thus cannot enter Canada, their absence from the Orioles' roster comes as little surprise to anyone. 

The Orioles will be replacing Santander with Kyle Stowers in the field. 

Keegan Akin and Anthony Santander are getting a four-day unpaid vacation during the Orioles Toronto series. One side effect of this is that outfield prospect Kyle Stowers will be making his MLB debut tonight. https://t.co/EmbNAT8OJZ

— Camden Chat (@CamdenChat) June 13, 2022

The Orioles have called up the twenty-four year old Stowers from the Norfolk Tides for the duration of the series.   

While Santander's absence is an opportunity for Stowers to earn his stripes, fans back in Baltimore can only hope for the best.  

Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports