Orioles’ Murphy Aims For Consistency

BALTIMORE—The Orioles like the catching depth in their minor league system. Alex Murphy wants to be a part of it again.

Murphy, 21, had sports hernia surgery last year and appeared in just 49 games at three levels. He had surgery on his left shoulder the previous year, playing his final game on Aug. 15.

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Murphy ranked among the RBI leaders in the low Class A South Atlantic League before missing three months due to the surgery.

“It was a little unfortunate,” Murphy said. “Kind of unlucky there, but not really much you can do about it. Just hope to prevent it for next year.”

Returning to the field in mid-August, Murphy went 10-for-24 with five doubles, two home runs and four RBIs in his final six games at short-season Aberdeen. He reported to the fall instructional league and got some innings at first base, a position he might play on occasion this season.

The Orioles selected three catchers among their first seven picks in the 2013 draft, taking Chance Sisco and Jonah Heim as well.

Murphy accepted a $275,000 bonus rather than attend Wake Forest. He was the Gatorade High School Player of the Year as a senior in Maryland.

“It was an unreal feeling,” Murphy said. “I thought they might draft me. When I saw my name go across the screen, it was an indescribable feeling. There is nothing in my life that has ever been like that. It gave me chills. Now I get to follow my goals and my dreams.”

Right now, it appears that Murphy’s offense is ahead of his defense, though his work behind the plate has improved. He’s striving to become more consistent and to stay healthy.

“Not getting too high or too low, hitting-wise,” Murphy said. “Trying to stay in that middle plateau all the way through the season. Same thing with catching. Just try to throw a little better and stay solid behind the plate.”

BIRD SEED

• The Orioles lost lefthander Tim Berry on a waiver claim by the Marlins. Berry went 2-7, 7.32 last season at Double-A Bowie and lost his spot in the rotation.

• The Orioles signed outfielder Xavier Avery to a minor league deal. They selected Avery in the second round of the 2008 draft before trading him to the Mariners on Aug. 30, 2013, for Michael Morse.