New Baltimore Oriole Luis Robert Jr. made a notable debut for his new team, driving in a run scored by former New York Met Pete Alonso on Wednesday. The outfielder, claimed by the Orioles earlier in the week, batted cleanup and delivered a two-run double in the top of the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
The hit scored Alonso, who had previously driven in the game's first run with a single. Robert's double gave Baltimore an early 3-0 lead. He finished his debut game 1-for-5 with two RBIs. Robert also played a role in the Orioles' eventual 11th-inning run, which was ultimately not enough as Baltimore lost to the Rockies 6-5.
Acquired by the Mets in the offseason, Robert began the season strong before a three-month absence due to a back injury. Despite a surge in August, he posted a .223/.303/.399 slash line with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs in 58 games for the Mets. The waiver claim allowed the Mets to shed approximately $5 million from their payroll, including a buyout, while providing the Orioles with a potent addition for the final month of the regular season.
The loss dropped the Orioles to two games behind the third American League Wild Card spot. For Robert, the move to Baltimore marks a new chapter after a frustrating season with the Mets concerning availability. "Certainly, the chapters that preceded the last one were frustrating from an availability perspective," said interim manager Andy Green regarding Robert's time with the Mets.