SARASOTA—When the Orioles return from their second and final off day on Friday, there will be only eight days left in Florida. They’ll conclude the exhibition season with games in Baltimore (March 22nd) and at Nationals Park (Match 23rd) against Washington.
Rosters aren’t due to be finalized until shortly before the March 26th opener at Oriole Park against the Minnesota Twins, and there is still much to be decided.
Let’s take another look at the projected roster:
Starting pitchers (5) Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, Dean Kremer
Under consideration: Zach Eflin, Cade Povich
Eflin threw in a “B” game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, but he’s thrown just two official innings in Grapefruit League games, and he might not get enough innings to start the season with Orioles.
He had back surgery last August and looked fine against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, but the Orioles might want to hold him back.
They could go to a six-man rotation once Eflin returns.
Povich, who has thrown well this spring, gets another start on Friday against Philadelphia in Clearwater.
Brandon Young, who is another depth piece, was optioned to minor league camp on Saturday.
Relief pitchers (8) Ryan Helsley, Yennier Cano, Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, Rico Garcia, Grant Wolfram, Yaramil Hiraldo
Under consideration: Jose Espada, Jackson Kowar, Albert Suárez
Before Sunday, when Cameron Foster and Anthony Nunez were optioned, it looked as if one of them had a chance to make the team.
Hiraldo has put together a solid spring, pitching four spotless innings.
Wolfram has been strong as well, giving up just two hits with a walk in five shutout innings.
Without Andrew Kittredge, who’ll start the season on the injured list, another spot has opened, and Wolfram and Hiraldo have made cases this spring.
Along with Garcia, Espada is still away from the team for the World Baseball Classic, playing for Team Puerto Rico.
Suárez had an awful appearance against St. Louis on March 6th, allowing seven runs on nine hits, but the Orioles still value him.
Kowar doesn’t have any options remaining, and Walker is on a minor league contract. He’s walked five in 2 2/3 innings.
Catchers (2) Samuel Basallo, Adley Rutschman
Under consideration: Maverick Handley, Sam Huff
Basallo and Rutschman will begin the season with the Orioles. Handley and Huff have major league experience if a need arises.
Infielders (6) Pete Alonso, Blaze Alexander, Gunnar Henderson, Coby Mayo, Ryan Mountcastle, Jeremiah Jackson
Under consideration: Thairo Estrada, Luis Vázquez, Bryan Ramos, Willy Vasquez, José Barrero, Weston Wilson
With second baseman Jackson Holliday and third baseman Jordan Westburg not beginning the season on the active list, Mayo has taken advantage of the available at-bats and has a .500 average (13-for-26) with a home run and 10 RBIs. He’d start at third base.
Alexander, who would be a utility player if Holliday and Westburg were healthy, has even played some center field.
Jackson could back up at second and third base as well as right field.
Of the others, Vázquez, who’s also playing for Team Puerto Rico, seems to have the best chance. While his defense is excellent, and he can play each of the four infield positions, his offense is lacking.
Outfielders (5) Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward, Leody Taveras
Under consideration: Heston Kjerstad, Jhonkensy Noel, Enrique Bradfield Jr.
The outfield looks set. Kjerstad probably will start the season at Triple-A Norfolk but could hit his way back to the majors. Bradfield will start the season with the Tides, but he’s still with the major league club for the time being.
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