Dan Connolly

O’s finalize Opening Day roster — return Tavarez to Boston; here’s why

The Orioles have finalized their 25-man roster – and there aren’t really any surprises.

But one disappointment, I’d imagine, for the organization.

Outfielder Aneury Tavarez, a 24-year-old speedster who did everything he was asked of this spring, failed to make the club and was returned to the Boston Red Sox.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

As a Rule 5 pick this December, Tavarez had to remain on the Orioles’ 25-man roster all year or be sent back to this original organization – the Red Sox – if he passed through waivers.

The left-handed-hitting Tavarez was caught in a roster crunch when right-handers Joey Rickard and Craig Gentry had excellent springs.

Gentry, 33, was a non-roster invitee to camp, but the eight-year, big-league veteran showed he was healthy this March. He was also added to the 40-man roster, taking over Tavarez’s spot.

An argument can be made that the Orioles should have gone with upside over experience and kept Tavarez, but because Gentry and Rickard hit from the right side, they provide platoon opportunities with left-handed hitting outfielders Hyun Soo Kim and Seth Smith.

Also, Tavarez was still learning the outfield while spending much of his pro career as an infielder. Gentry and Rickard are more accomplished defensive outfielders.

As for the rest of the roster, it shakes out as expected.

Reliever Oliver Drake, who was out of minor league options, and Trey Mancini, a first baseman who makes the team as an outfielder/designated hitter, escaped the bubble and were added to the Opening Day roster.

Pitchers Jayson Aquino and Gabriel Ynoa were sent to Triple-A Norfolk, but one could be back fairly soon. The club needs a fifth starter April 15.

They also need a fourth starter April 9 – and right now the Orioles have just three starting pitchers and eight relievers on the 25-man roster.

However, lefty Wade Miley (illness), who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday, is expected back for that April 9 start.

Also placed on the DL were Chris Tillman, who is expected to miss all of April with a shoulder injury, and Rule 5 outfielder Anthony Santander (elbow), who can stay with the organization while on the DL.

In other news, the Orioles moved outfielder Dariel Alvarez from Triple-A Norfolk to Low-A Delmarva, where he’ll work as a pitcher; and they moved Jason Garcia from Norfolk to Double-A Bowie.

Here is the Orioles’ 25-man, Opening Day roster:

Catchers (2): Welington Castillo, Caleb Joseph.

Infielders: (5): Chris Davis, Ryan Flaherty, J.J. Hardy, Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop.

Outfielders (7 + 1 DL): Craig Gentry, Adam Jones, Hyun Soo Kim, Trey Mancini, Joey Rickard, Anthony Santander*, Seth Smith, Mark Trumbo.

Pitchers (11 + 2 DL): Brad Brach, Zach Britton, Dylan Bundy, Oliver Drake, Kevin Gausman, Mychal Givens, Donnie Hart, Ubaldo Jimenez, Wade Miley*, Vidal Nuno, Darren O’Day, Chris Tillman*, Tyler Wilson.

*– Will begin season on 10-day disabled list.

Dan Connolly

Dan Connolly has spent more than two decades as a print journalist in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Baltimore native and Calvert Hall graduate first covered the Orioles as a beat writer for the York (Pennsylvania) Daily Record in 2001 before becoming The Baltimore Sun’s national baseball writer/Orioles reporter in 2005. He has won multiple state and national writing awards, including several from the Associated Press Sports Editors. In 2013 he was named Maryland Co-Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. And in 2015, he authored his first book, "100 Things Orioles Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." He lives in York, with his wife, Karen, and three children, Alex, Annie, and Grace.

View Comments

  • Tavarez is 24. Gentry is 33. Seth Smith is 34. Gentry missed much of last yr b/c of injuries. Smith missed most of spring training b/c of an injured hamstring. Smith's best yrs were in Colorado 6 yrs ago a ballpark that distorts offensive stats. Last yr is probably an outlier at the age of 33.

    "Also, Tavarez was still learning the outfield while spending much of his pro career as an infielder." That might be Oriole propaganda. He started 92 gms in RF in 2013 at Greenville in the Sally League. 79 gms in RF at Salem in 2014.

    I wish that they had made a RF platoon of Tavarez/Gentry & worked out a trade for Smith.

    • I may have stated it a little strongly. But I was told by several that the defense was ok but not particularly smooth.

Share
Published by
Dan Connolly

Recent Posts

  • Orioles

Burnes, Santander, McCann, Means, 4 others file for free agency; Orioles director of pitching Chris Holt leaves

Free agency began on Thursday, and the Orioles’ top starting pitcher, Corbin Burnes, and leading…

October 31, 2024
  • Midday Mailbag

Could Westburg sign an extension with Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: I've learned there are certain players you must keep in your core if you…

October 31, 2024
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles’ Henderson needs postseason series win for greater acclaim

When the American League Most Valuable Player Award results are announced on November 21st, Gunnar…

October 31, 2024
  • The Bird Tapes

Lost Voices: Replacing Brooks Robinson nearly broke Doug DeCinces but he battled through it, including a fight with Earl Weaver

BaltimoreBaseball.com is delighted to be partnering with John Eisenberg, the author and longtime Baltimore sports…

October 30, 2024
  • Midday Mailbag

Will Orioles spend enough to get to a World Series? | MAILBAG

Question: The Orioles have been in only six World Series, but the Yankees and Dodgers…

October 29, 2024
  • Rich Dubroff

Breaking down Jackson Holliday’s 1st Orioles season

In April, Jackson Holliday seemed to be the biggest story in baseball. The biggest storyline…

October 29, 2024