SARASOTA, Fla.— The Orioles acquired catcher Pedro Severino on waivers from the Washington Nationals, giving the team three catchers on the 40-man roster and six in camp.
In all likelihood, only two of will go north with the team.
Severino, 25, batted just .187 with four home runs and 22 RBIs in parts of the last four seasons with the Nationals.
It’s a confusing picture because Chance Sisco seemed the clear favorite to make the team, and on Friday, Jesus Sucre didn’t invoke his opt-out clause, making it seem that he would be added to the 40-man roster.
Austin Wynns, who seemed to be a contender, hasn’t played in nearly three weeks because of a sore oblique.
Veterans Carlos Perez and Andrew Susac are also in camp.
“We’re still sorting that out,” manager Brandon Hyde said about the catching competition. “We like all the guys in camp. Guys have done a really good job.”
Severino is out of options. If he doesn’t make the Orioles’ roster, he would have to go through waivers.
“We have decisions to make,” Hyde said. “It’s pretty late…[Severino’s] a talented guy. Our goal has been pretty transparent…to get as much talent into the organization [as possible]. Pedro’s a really talented guy, and he was available, and we wanted to take a look.”
Sisco, who hits left-handed, has .300 average with four home runs and 10 RBIs in Grapefruit League games.
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement,” Hyde said about Sisco’s defense. “I’m really happy with how Chance has progressed from the middle of February until now…[He’s] gotten a lot better in a lot of areas defensively.”
Last season was a difficult one for Sisco, who began the season with Baltimore then slumped offensively and defensively, earning two return trips to Triple-A Norfolk.
“Chance needs to play,” Hyde said. “You’re not going to develop by sitting. If he’s in the big leagues, he’s going to play. If he’s in Triple-A, he’s going to play.”
Sisco hit .181 with two home runs and 16 RBIs with the Orioles and could be returned to Norfolk to start the season.
“I think that’s what we’re going to decide, if it’s better for him to start in Triple-A,” Hyde said. “He doesn’t have a ton of Triple-A at-bats. He’s still a young guy…He should be proud of the camp he’s had, and proud of the progress he’s made, and I just want him to keep it going.”
The Orioles could start the season with Sisco and Sucre, or perhaps Severino will make the roster.
“Nothing has changed in our eyes with Jesus Sucre,” Hyde said. “I love Sucre. He’s a big-league catcher. He can really catch and throw and provide great leadership on the field. He’s going to give you a grind at-bat…Nothing’s changed on our end about him. Adding Severino, Mike [Elias] and the guys are figuring out the roster.”
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Something tells me Sisco may be going down again and that decision has to come very shortly.He had a good spring offensively but all the tangibles of a catcher are best observed by the experts and us fans are not that.If they don't feel he can cut it as a catcher then maybe first base or the out field can become possibilities in order to keep his bat,Wait and see I guess but I hope if he goes down it doesn't hurt his morale.
I was excited by the Elias Hyde hirings at first. but if they r gonna send down every prospect which they r doing. I don't understand it. U put these guys in the majors let them learn and see what we have at the highest level. but hays diaz Stewart all went down.sisco is obviously next and mountcastle also. So the year is gonna start with none of those guys in majors. what are Elias and Hyde hoping happens we win 62 games with veterans instead of 60 with prospects. both Astros and cubs went all in with prospects and looked what happened. Also Yankees turned there organization way of thinking around when they started bringing up the prospects and they succeeded.
I think these prospects are being sent down in part because of development but also because Elias wants to add as much young talent to the org as possible. Pedro Severino was a top 10-20 Gnats prospect for a while. If he turns out to be a major league quality backup catcher that’s great value and Chance Sisco can come up when hes ready.