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5 Things We Learned About Baltimore Orioles During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

5 Things We Learned About Baltimore Orioles During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

Baltimore Orioles
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

As we approach the quarter mark of the 2015 MLB season, the Baltimore Orioles have accumulated a mediocre 22-24 record. The team has endured its share of surprises and disappointments in the first few months. Here are the five biggest storylines that emerged and five things we've learned about the Orioles so far.

5. Surprises and Struggles in the Starting Rotation

MLB: Baltimore Orioles
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

5. Surprises and Struggles in the Starting Rotation

MLB: Baltimore Orioles
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore's starting rotation was one of the key reasons why the team ran away with the division last year. This season, the Orioles' staff has been led by Ubaldo Jimenez, who surprisingly possesses the best WHIP (1.18) and Ks (47) on the team after struggling mightily in 2014. On the other hand, Chris Tillman, one of Baltimore's best pitchers last season, has stumbled out of the gates with a 2-6 record and 5.59 ERA.

4. The Offense Lost Nelson Cruz, But Found Jimmy Paredes

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Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Offense Lost Nelson Cruz, But Found Jimmy Paredes

MLB: Baltimore Orioles
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The departure of Nelson Cruz in the offseason has left a void in the heart of the Orioles' lineup, as he is tied for the league lead with 18 home runs. Baltimore's offense isn't as potent without Cruz and is currently 10th in the AL in both hits and runs scored. But the silver lining has been the emergence of Jimmy Paredes, who is enjoying a breakout season with a .340 BA, six home runs and 25 RBIs for the Orioles.

3. Injuries Making An Impact

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Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

3. Injuries Making An Impact

MLB: Baltimore Orioles
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Every MLB team deals with injuries during the grind of a 162-game MLB season, and the Orioles have suffered a few early this year. The biggest blow was to second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who was poised for a breakout after injuring his knee in April. On the brighter side, catcher Matt Weiters appears ready to return in June and will hopefully provide a spark in Baltimore's offense.

2. Deal or No Deal?

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Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Deal or No Deal?

MLB: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

It's never too early to start looking ahead at the trade deadline in late July. With the Orioles likely in the thick of the AL East race, it will be interesting to see if Buck Showalter and company look to add another piece for the stretch run. It's looking like Baltimore could use an extra bat or an arm in the bullpen down the road.

1. The AL East Title Is Up For Grabs

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Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

1. The AL East Title Is Up For Grabs

MLB: Baltimore Orioles
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

After everything that's been said, the Orioles are only two games back in the wide-open AL East race. Baltimore is traveling down an oddly similar track to last season when the team took off after the All-Star break and won the division. It all comes down to getting solid, consistent starting pitching and timely, clutch hitting for the Orioles to repeat as AL East champions.

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