Wells goes to the bullpen; Baz throws 3 innings in Orioles’ 4-2 loss to Astros; Honeycutt homers again

SARASOTA–What’s happening? Three weeks into spring training, the Orioles’ bullpen is in a state of flux. Manager Craig Albernaz revealed that Andrew Kittredge, who’d been counted on as a key back-end option, is unlikely to be ready to start the season on March 26^th because of right shoulder inflammation.

Earlier in spring training, Albernaz decided that Tyler Wells would start the season in the bullpen.

The Orioles have seven accomplished starters — Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, Dean Kremer, Zach Eflin and Wells.

Their bullpen is much more uncertain. Ryan Helsley is set as closer. If Kittredge is unable to start the season on the active roster, Wells, who began his career as a reliever in 2021, is a good option.

“You could see the writing on the wall for a little while,” Wells said of his bullpen assignment. “It’s something I’m excited for. I’ve always enjoyed the bullpen.”

In 2021 as a Rule 5 draft pick, Wells appeared in 44 games, all in relief, and recorded four saves. Since then, he’s started 50 times and relieved in five games, all in 2023.

“I think it’s going to add a different look, different element to my game this year,” Wells said. “The best thing I can do is fully embrace it and just go after it.”

Wells had right elbow surgery in June 2024 and returned late last season to start five games.

“Health wasn’t much of a concern at this point,” Wells said. “Right now, I think it’s more of just roster construction. A lot of these starters that we have, they provide great durability. They provide a lot of great chances to go out there and win games. Right now, this is where I can make the biggest impact on the team.”

Félix Bautista threw 25 pitches from 45 feet on Tuesday, the first time he’s thrown since rotator cuff and labrum surgery last August.

“My arm feels really good,” Bautista said through a team translator. “Hopefully, if things continue to progress well as they have been, I’ll be able to pitch this year. At least, I’m hoping for that.”

In October 2023, Bautista had Tommy John surgery and missed the 2024 season. The dual procedures were a setback.

“These are both difficult and important surgeries to go through,” Bautista said. “The Tommy John was a lot as well. I’m taking this one on with a lot more patience, a bit better understanding of what I need to do to come back from it and recover.”

What happened? Shane Baz allowed three runs on two hits in three innings, walking two and striking out five, throwing 49 pitches in the Orioles’ 4-2 loss  to the Houston Astros before 5,122 at Ed Smith Stadium on Wednesday.

“Stuff felt really good,” Baz said. “Super happy with that. Happy with the locations for the most part. I definitely could have located the fastball a little better, and obviously the walks, I don’t love.”

In his first start last Friday against Pittsburgh, Baz threw 2 1/3 hitless innings.

“Body feels good,” Baz said. “That’s always the number one thing in camp is just getting out of camp healthy, getting a feel for the zone.”

Two of the three runs scored when Jack Winkler struck out on a wild pitch and César Salazar and Brice Matthews scored.

“It’s partially my fault, not being at home,” Baz said. “I’m not looking to get some spikes on my leg today. In the regular season, hopefully there’ll be a play at home after the throw. That was a really, really tough pitch to handle. It might have bounced in the grass. I probably took too much off of it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.”

Helsley pitched a spotless fourth inning. Wells struck out three in two scoreless innings. He hasn’t been scored upon in five innings this spring.

Keegan Akin allowed a home run to Ethan Frey in the seventh. Dietrich Enns and Yaramil Hiraldo threw scoreless innings.

Vance Honeycutt hit his fourth home run in as many games. Honeycutt, the Orioles’ No. 1 draft pick in 2024, hit just five home runs in 101 games for High-A Aberdeen last season and is enjoying playing with the major league team.

“They’re just giving me some grief, honestly,” Honeycutt said. “They mess around with me in the dugout and say some things. It’s been fun.”

His home run traveled 471 feet.

“I got it good,” he said. “That one felt good.”

Weston Wilson also homered.

Infielder Aron Estrada was reassigned to minor league camp. Estrada was 2-for-7 (.286) with four strikeouts. There are 68 players in camp, including 27 non-roster invitees.

What’s up with Cameron Foster? The Orioles acquired the 26-year-old relief pitcher when they traded Gregory Soto to the New York Mets. He was placed on the 40-man roster in November.

Foster has thrown three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two.

“It’s been good. Learned something new each time out there and try to get better each time,” Foster said.

Last year, he had a 3.38 ERA in 13 games, striking out 23 in 16 innings, and now he could pitch in the major leagues.

“That’s always in the back of your mind,” Foster said. “It’s day-by-day. You focus on today and the next outing.”

Sometimes it’s difficult for relievers to replicate game action, especially late in games in front of small crowds.

“I think you make your own adrenaline,” Foster said. “I think at the big league level it’s going to be a little bit more, but when you’re up there, it’s just you and the hitter. It’s just noise at that point. I don’t think much is going to change because it’s all the same game, but I’m going to have a lot more adrenaline, I’d imagine.”

What’s what? Honeycutt continues to amaze.

“It’s fun to watch,” Albernaz said. “Everyone was looking around in the dugout in the ninth inning. ‘Let’s get Honey up.’

Don’t expect to see Honeycutt play more extensively in camp.

“I like what I see right now,” Albernaz said. “He’s in minor league camp. He’s a depth camper. He has his own development plan and progression. When it allows, he comes over. We love having him here.”

What’s the word? “I love the pressure. Being a starter and being a high-leverage reliever, that pressure coming into those games is where I tend to thrive. It’s where I love being.” Wells on moving to the bullpen. 

What’s the number? March 14^th, 2011. That was the last time the Astros played in Sarasota. First base coach Jason Bourgeois was the leadoff hitter and had four hits for Houston. Jordan Lyles was the winning pitcher. The Orioles will play Houston next Tuesday in West Palm Beach.

What’s the record?  5-5-1. Zach Eflin will make his first start of the spring against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. The Rays will start Ryan Pepiot.

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