How strong is Orioles’ bullpen? | MAILBAG

Question: The Orioles’ bullpen looks stout. Do you think after losing starter Corbin Burnes, Mike Elias decided to build the best bullpen he could and hope for fiv innings from the starters? What are your thoughts on the quality of the bullpen? From: Mike Woolf

Answer: Mike, I think the Orioles would like to get at least six innings from their starting pitchers. If they consistently get only five, I think that will overtax the bullpen.

As for the bullpen quality, I think it hinges on Félix Bautista’s health and effectiveness. If he’s anywhere close to his 2023 form, that will make the Orioles’ bullpen a strong one.

I think the signing of Andrew Kittredge is an overlooked one, and if the Orioles have good seasons from Bautista and Kittredge, that would really help.

Beyond them, I think Yennier Cano, Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto will be stronger in the seventh or eighth inning. They’ll hope that Cionel Pérez will be better this season, and that Keegan Akin continues to improve. It will be interesting to see how Albert Suárez does in a regular relief role if they decide to use him there.

Question: You mentioned in Thursday’s article that you can see Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad, and Ramón Laureano all get playing time. My question is, how do they make space for five outfielders? If Jorge Mateo is not ready for Opening Day then that opens up a spot, but then what happens when he is healthy? From: Cole Phillips

Answer: Cole, there’s always the possibility of a trade, which would create an opening, and there could be injuries, which would create a different outfield alignment than I’m forecasting.

As for what happens when Mateo is healthy, a lot changes with the Orioles’ roster, even from week-to-week. There are likely to be injuries and other roster moves, so it’s impossible to forecast who might go in a scenario that I don’t think we’re going to see.

Notes: Infielder Emmanuel Rivera has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. He’s been invited to major league spring training. Right-handed pitcher Dylan Coleman has signed a minor league contract and been invited to major league spring training. The Orioles have 69 players coming to camp.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.