Alexander displays versatility in Orioles’ 3-2 win over Blue Jays; Suárez remains in bullpen competition

DUNEDIN, Florida—What’s happening? Blaze Alexander started in center field, demonstrating again his versatility as a player. When the season begins, Alexander could be playing second base in place of the injured Jackson Holliday, or third in place of the injured Jordan Westburg.

The Orioles traded for Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks just before spring training began. On Wednesday, he was 1-for-3 with an RBI in the Orioles’ 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays before 7,269 at TD Ballpark.

The 26-year-old Alexander is preparing for Opening Day, not knowing exactly where he’ll play.

“That’s not up to me. I’m going to go out there and if my name is in the lineup, I’m going to play my hardest and give them hell,” Alexander said. “Second, third, outfield somewhere, it don’t matter. Put me in the lineup, and I’ll be ready to go.”

He’s so thrilled about next week that he’s watched videos of past Oriole openers. The Orioles open the season next Thursday against the Minnesota Twins.

“I’ve heard about the Opening Day ceremonies in Baltimore, the orange carpet that gets pulled out,” Alexander said. “That stuff gets me excited. I’m really excited if I am there. I’m ready to go to war with this staff and this group of guys. It’s going to be a really good team.”

Alexander is optimistic about the team.

“Easily a playoff team. We haven’t even played games where we have guys all together,” Alexander said. “We’re going to be a real confident team.”

On Friday, Oriole prospects and their counterparts from the Boston Red Sox will play in the third annual Spring Breakout game at Ed Smith Stadium at 6:05 p.m. The Orioles’ roster will feature 17 of their top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, including their 2025 top minor league player, outfielder Nate George, the No. 3 Orioles prospect and the 93^rd overall.

Trey Gibson, last year’s minor league pitcher of the year, and the fifth ranked prospect, will pitch.

Other top prospects are first baseman/outfielder Ike Irish (6^th) last year’s top draft choice, shortstop Wehiwa Aloy (7th), another 2025 first-rounder and outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. (10th), who’ll play in his third Spring Breakout.

Others on the roster are left-handers Micah Ashman and Joseph Dzierwa (14th), right-handers Zane Barnhart, Nestor German (12^th), Chander Marsh and Tyson Neighbors (17^th), catchers Ethan Anderson (26^th), Creed Willems (19^th) and Colin Tuft, infielders Aron Estrada (9^th), Wilfri De La Cruz (22^nd), Cobb Hightower, Jaiden Lo Re, Griff O’Ferrall (29^th), José Peña, Colin Yeaman (30^th), and outfielders RJ Austin, Vance Honeycutt, DJ Layton, Jordan Sanchez (18^th), Thomas Sosa (20^th) and Reed Trimble.

The Orioles optioned right-hander Jose Espada to minor league camp and reassigned left-hander Luis De Léon to minor league camp.

“I love watching that dude pitch, selfishly,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “I love his demeanor on the field. He throws strikes … He’s under control. The game’s not speeding up for him.”

De Léon, German, Gibson and Levi Wells are top pitching prospects who have intrigued Albernaz.

“Of all the guys, he’s going to make a real impact for us, along with the other three. De Léon, in particular, the stuff is real,” he said.

They have 47 players on the spring training roster, including 12 non-roster invites and pitchers Félix Bautista and Colin Selby, who are on the 60-day injured list.

The Orioles will allow fans to enter the ballpark 2 ½ hours before game time before Monday-Thursday night Oriole home games with the exception of August 20^th. Fans can enter through Gates A and H. Fans can access Eutaw Street, Legends Park, the Flag Court and bleacher seats, sections 90-96. Some food, beverage and merchandise locations will be open. For more information, visit Orioles.com/Ballpark.

The Orioles announced an all-new social space, built around the existing flags in right field where fans can enjoy Orioles baseball.

The team has begun construction of a new bar on the Flag Court, which will open after the All-Star break. The space will be open to the public and feature a wraparound bar.

What happened? Albert Suárez allowed one run on three hits in four innings, walking two and striking out five.

Suárez, who allowed seven runs on nine hits in 2 2/3 innings against St. Louis in his previous outing on March 6^th, remains in competition for a bullpen spot.

“It was very important. I [put] a lot of focus on this start,” Suárez said. “It was a chance for me to show what I have, to show that I’m healthy, that I’m ready to pitch.”

The 36-year-old is on a minor league contract and room would have to be created on the 40-man roster. There are several relievers under consideration for the  final spots on the roster.

“The competition is always there,” Suárez said. “I don’t really focus on that. My competition is myself. Sometimes, I beat myself …The competition is [with] myself [not with] everybody else.”

Suárez could give the Orioles a bullpen option since he can pitch multiple innings.

“Suárez threw the ball great. His fastball had a little extra life today,” Albernaz said. “Offspeed offerings were there. The breaking ball was sharp. He did a good job controlling the strike zone. It was a solid day for Suárez. He has a bunch of versatility, but we’re nowhere near finalizing the roster.”

Jeremiah Jackson homered. Ryan Mountcastle had two hits and an RBI.. Adley Rutschman had two hits.

Yaramil Hiraldo and Dietrich Enns pitched scoreless innings.

What’s up with Tyler O’Neill? The 30-year-old outfielder enjoyed playing in the World Baseball Classic for Team Canada.

“I loved representing my country. I loved playing on the international stage,” O’Neill said. “The WBC is very special to me.”

Team Canada lost to Team USA, 5-3, in the quarterfinals, and O’Neill got to see Gunnar Henderson in the opposing dugout.

“It’s kind of crazy not seeing him play as much as he should be out there,” O’Neill said. “His skill speaks for itself. He should be starting on any team. It’s stacked and they have their own stuff that they look at. I’m not going to justify any lineup creation that the U.S. is making, but pretty crazy to be on the other side of him.” 

What’s what? Here’s a spring training rarity. Thanks to two consecutive rainouts, the Orioles have played only one home game in the last 10 days.

What’s the word? “The actual game is really fun. It’s just a different kind of compete when you’re representing your country against other countries.”–O’Neill on playing in the WBC. 

What’s the number? 7.59. Suárez’s ERA fell from 10.80 to 7.59.

What’s the record? 9-11-3. The Orioles have split-squad games on Thursday. Dean Kremer, who hasn’t pitched in a Grapefruit League game since February 26^th, will start against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. Kremer, who was pitching for Team Israel, will face Max Fried.

Trevor Rogers, who will be the Orioles’ Opening Day starter, will get his final Grapefruit League start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night at 6:05 at Ed Smith Stadium.

Kevin Brown and Ryan Ripken will broadcast the game on MASN.

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