Rogers will start Orioles’ Grapefruit League opener

SARASOTA-What’s happening? Trevor Rogers will start Friday’s Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium. The Yankees will start Elmer Rodríguez. It will be Rogers’ first start as an Oriole in Sarasota. He was injured last spring.

Jordan Westburg’s status remains unclear. At the beginning of spring training on February 11^th, president of baseball operations Mike Elias said the 27-year-old infielder would be unavailable at the beginning of spring games because of a right oblique injury.

Manager Craig Albernaz said on Thursday: “He’s physically unable to participate right now. He’s getting evaluated by a medical team and also outside medical people to make sure we have a plan in place and see what’s going on with Jordan, get him going.”

Albernaz also refused to discuss whether it’s just Westburg’s oblique or an elbow injury that’s preventing him from playing.

“Just physically unable to go,” Albernaz said. “I just want to make sure that we do our due diligence and make sure Jordan has the best chance to play this year.”

With second baseman Jackson Holliday out after surgery to remove the hamate bone from his right wrist, and Westburg’s return uncertain, that opens roster spots.

Utility player Blaze Alexander, who was acquired from Arizona, will get additional playing time. Coby Mayo, who’s been taking ground balls at third, could benefit, and so could Jeremiah Jackson, who’s been working out at second base.

Albernaz didn’t disclose who was pitching behind Rogers. He declined to elaborate on when regular players would play road games during the spring season.

What’s happened? The Orioles have 32 non-roster players in camp. Albernaz identifies with them because he was a minor league player in Tampa Bay’s camp.

Before the Orioles’ first full-squad workout, Albernaz told them:

“Everyone in this room is going to impact us at some point,” he said. “When you’re in big league camp, it means something … Even though you’re a minor league free agent, you still have the opportunity to pick where you want to play. Choosing us to be here is like a big league free agent. It means a lot to us as a coaching staff.”

Nestor German and Jackson Kowar threw live batting practice at Ed Smith Stadium. Pete Alonso, Silas Ardoin, Jose Barrero, and Creed Willems took batting practice.

What’s up with Richard Guasch? The 27-year-old right-hander pronounced “Wash” defected from Cuba to Mexico 10 years ago and has pitched in the Oakland, Washington and Detroit organizations before signing with the Orioles in the offseason.

“It’s my first big league camp after some highs and lows in the minors,” Guasch said through a team translator. “I started to establish myself two years ago, just continuing to work my way to my main goal, which is the majors.”

Guasch was 3-4 with five saves and a 2.74 ERA in 28 games with Double-A Erie in the Tigers’ organization in 2025.

“They have so many good arms,” he said of the Tigers. “I think maybe looking for an opportunity with another team is maybe the best.”

Guasch said defecting was a scary experience.

“It was very difficult and very dangerous,” he said. “Doing it at such a young age when you don’t know any better, it was definitely difficult to go through. Considering all those difficulties, I’m very thankful to have made it through to the other side.”

He spent five months crossing the border from Mexico to Guatemala before going to the Dominican Republic. He spent two years in the Dominican before he signed with Oakland. He now lives in West Palm Beach. 

What’s what? The Orioles are bringing back the Birdland Summer Music Series with Nelly following the May 9^th 4:05 p.m. game against the Athletics. Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Tage Team and Treach of Naughty by Nature following the 7:05 p.m. game against Tampa Bay on August 21^st.

What’s the word? “The Opening Day roster is the Opening Day roster. The roster’s going to change as the season goes on,” Albernaz said. 

What’s the number? 29. The Orioles will play 29 Grapefruit League games. They’ll play Team Netherlands on March 3^rd. and two games against the Washington Nationals, on March 22^nd at Camden Yards and March 23^rd at Nationals Park.

What’s next? The Orioles will host the New York Yankees on Friday at 1:05 p.m. Kevin Brown will call the game on MASN. Brett Hollander and Josh Lewin will broadcast the game on WBAL Radio.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com