Will the Orioles platoon Dylan Beavers? | MAILBAG

Question: I am wondering how you think playing time gets sorted out in the Orioles’ outfield with four main guys competing for three spots. Who gets platooned? Am particularly wondering how Dylan Beavers is currently viewed?  Is he likely to be a strong side of the platoon guy or does his ability to hit lefties suggest he could get a more full-time role?  From: Leo Kelser

Answer: Leo, I’ll guess that Dylan Beavers and Tyler O’Neill are platooned at first. O’Neill has done well historically against left-handers. Manager Craig Albernaz hasn’t hinted at how he’ll use players during the season so we don’t know what his thoughts are.

I would think that they’d like to ease Beavers into an everyday role, but as a left-handed hitter, he’s more likely to start the majority of games and restricting O’Neill to a platoon could lead to more success and lessen his possibility of injury.

Question: Since Ryan Mountcastle used to be a shortstop as a younger player, why not try him at third base? He’s a much better fielder than Coby Mayo and when healthy a more consistent hitter as well. From: W. Burke Suter

Answer: Burke, not only was Mountcastle a shortstop in the minor leagues, but he was also tried at third base. He had a fielding percentage of just .917 in the minors, making 28 errors in 145 games, which is quite a lot for a third baseman. While Mayo’s overall fielding percentage at third was lower, .911, his play at third improved in 2024 at Norfolk with a fielding percentage of .940.

I think Mayo’s future might be in the outfield or at designated hitter, but while Jordan Westburg is out, they probably need him to concentrate on third.

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.