The Baltimore Orioles have fallen on tough times recently, losing 14 of the past 19 games to drop two games below .500 at 46-48. The O’s offense is struggling to score runs and deliver clutch hits with runners in scoring position, which was prevalent during Baltimore’s three-game sweep in the Bronx.

The Orioles scored eight runs in three games against the New York Yankees and fell seven games behind in the AL East. As the trade deadline approaches next week, Baltimore could desperately use a spark to turn things around. While making a trade is always a viable option, the Orioles should considering looking within the organization for help by promoting outfielder Dariel Alvarez.

The corner outfield spots have been a revolving door for the Orioles this season. Baltimore hasn’t been able to fill the void left by the departures of Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in the offseason with numerous potential replacements. Travis Snider, Steve Pearce, Chris Parmelee, David Lough and Nolan Reimold all had their chances to earn a starting spot, but none have been able to deliver consistently. Both Alejandro De Aza and Delmon Young were designated for assignment this year and are no longer with the club. Baltimore’s left-fielders are batting a combined .232 with a .298 on-base percentage and .371 slugging in 2015, all of which rank 12th out of 15 teams in the American League. This lack of production has opened the door for Alvarez to show what he can do.

The Orioles signed Alvarez out of Cuba in 2013, and he’s quickly risen through Baltimore’s minor league system. Alvarez compiled a slash line of .306/.330/.472 with 15 home runs and 87 RBIs last season while playing at the AA and AAA levels. In 96 games with AAA Norfolk this season, Alvarez is batting .277 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. He also made the Minor League All-Star team and won the AAA Home Run Derby this year. Alvarez was exceptionally hot in June, when he hit .340 with six home runs and a .955 OPS for the month.

According to Baseball America, Alvarez ranks as the Orioles’ No. 5 overall prospect. The scouting report says he possesses average speed with a strong arm, grading him as an above-average defender. Questions remain regarding whether he can adjust to major league pitching, but it might be time to find out. Baltimore would be desperate to believe that he’d solve all the team’s offensive problems, but would be foolish to deny Alvarez a chance to provide a spark in the Orioles’ struggling lineup.

Ben Linton is a MLB Writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @Ben_Linton91, or add him to your network on Google.