The Baltimore Orioles' sweep of the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series could be very costly for the playing time of slugger Chris Davis who is currently suspended. The Orioles will take on the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series, and Davis is unlikely to be on the roster.
The former All-Star has served 20 of 25 games after he was suspended for Adderall on September 12. The Orioles probably will not waste a roster spot for him because he is only eligible to play in Game 6 and Game 7 of the ALCS.
There has been no decision made as of Monday, but the organization has sensed that he would need to be available for four of the seven games to be added to the roster.
While his average dipped significantly in 2014, Davis still brings power to a dangerous lineup. In 127 games this season, the 28-year-old hit .196/.300/.404 while belting 26 home runs and driving in 72 runs, just one year after he led the league with 53 homeruns and 138 RBI.
Davis is an important part of the Orioles line-up, but they simply cannot afford to waste the roster spot for five straight games. However, if they make it through the Royals and reach the World Series, Davis will likely make his return, at least as a complimentary player.