Orioles encounter unexpected issues in early spring training

SARASOTA—The first two weeks of spring training for the Orioles have been eventful.

They’ll begin the season without two of their starting infielders — second baseman Jackson Holliday, who had surgery to remove the hamate bone in his right wrist, and third baseman Jordan Westburg, who was diagnosed with a partial tear in his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Westburg, who began camp behind because of an injury to his right oblique muscle, won’t play until at least May 1^st. The Orioles medical staff and noted orthopedist Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles determined that Westburg did not need surgery on the right elbow, and he received a platelet-rich-plasma injection on Thursday.

Who plays second and third base on Opening Day?

Blaze Alexander, who was acquired from Arizona on February 6^th, looks to be the favorite to start at second. For the moment, Coby Mayo, who dedicated himself to learning to play first base last year, could be the choice at third.

However, there are other ways the Orioles could go. Jeremiah Jackson, who played second base in Sunday’s Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, could make the team, or the Orioles could go with a more traditional utility infielder. Luis Vázquez will leave on March 1^st for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Vázquez can play all four infield positions, though he’s weak at bat.

Weston Wilson, who’s played second base and left field in addition to first base with Philadelphia, is another possibility. The Orioles reacquired third baseman Bryan Ramos off waivers from St. Louis on Friday, though he’s yet to play.

It isn’t out of the question for the Orioles to add another utility infielder. That would likely be a waiver claim or a trade.

Fan favorite Ramón Urías is out of consideration since he signed with the Cardinals.

What about Ryan Mountcastle?

I’m not sure that the absence of two infielders has much to do with whether Mountcastle remains on the team. Mayo plays third base. Mountcastle is a first baseman or designated hitter. With Pete Alonso, there’s little need for a backup first baseman, and the Orioles also could use Samuel Basallo there.

If the Orioles carry two catchers, Basallo and Adley Rutschman, and five outfielders — Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Leody Taveras and Tyler Ward — that leaves six spots.

Alexander, Alonso, Mayo and Gunnar Henderson account for four spots. Jackson and another utility player or Mountcastle could be the other two players.

Does Heston Kjerstad have a chance?

Kjerstad homered off Jack Flaherty on Sunday, but unless there’s an injury to an outfielder, it looks as if he’ll have to start the season at Triple-A Norfolk.

It’s important for Kjerstad to show he’s healthy and productive for an extended period before the Orioles add him or use him as a trade chip.

“He came into camp ready,” Albernaz said. “He’s getting great work in. His setup and stance has proven to be good right now. The thing about Kjerstad is you just don’t know. How he carries himself, his presence is even keeled. It looks like it’s another game for him, which is awesome. Good to see him barrel balls up.”

Impressive first outings for rookies

Cameron Weston threw two scoreless innings on Sunday. He was the third straight minor league starter with an impressive outing. Weston was 5-9 with a 4.59 ERA. He allowed one hit, walked one and struck out four.

On Friday, Trey Gibson, last year’s organizational pitcher of the year, threw the final three innings of a 2-0 win over the New York Yankees. Gibson allowed two hits and struck out three.

Levi Wells, who had a 3.48 ERA at Norfolk and Double-A Chesapeake, recorded two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out two.

None of these pitchers will break camp with the Orioles but could help out later in the season. It appears Norfolk will have a fine starting rotation.

“It’s awesome,” Albernaz said. “All our young guys have been throwing the ball well, and that’s encouraging to see. We have depth. It will be encouraging to see how these guys develop and see where it goes.”

Bullpen jobs open

Some relievers, including Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge, have yet to pitch in games, so it’s too early to handicap the battle for the bullpen.

Dietrich Enns, who was considered a lock for a job, allowed each of the six runners he faced on Saturday to score.

Albert Suárez, who could be a long reliever, will start on Tuesday against Minnesota in Fort Myers.

Let’s wait until relievers have had three or four outings before making judgments. There are a lot of interesting arms in the camp and too soon for real analysis.

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