SARASOTA, Florida—Four weeks from now, the Orioles will have ended spring training and head north for their March 28th opener.
They’ve only played two games, and not many conclusions can even be guessed at from less than two weeks of spring training.
There are some interesting story lines in camp.
There’s no panic about the starting rotation.
When the Orioles began workouts on February 15th, executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias revealed that two starters, Kyle Bradish and John Means, were not going to be available for Opening Day.
Bradish had a sprained right elbow, and he was treated with a platelet-rich-plasma injection. He’s been tossing lightly.
Means had a sore left elbow that kept him out of the Division Series against Texas, and the Orioles decided that he should rest for a while, and Elias said that he’ll be about a month behind the other pitchers.
Tyler Wells and Cole Irvin have moved into the starting rotation. Irvin, who didn’t take any time off from workouts after the season, retired all six batters he faced against Pittsburgh on Sunday.
If there’s another injury, the Orioles have a group of young pitchers who could slide in, though they’d prefer they begin at Triple-A: Justin Armbruester, Seth Johnson, Chayce McDermott and Cade Povich.
Povich starts for the Orioles on Monday against Tampa Bay and Armbruester will follow him. Johnson starts against Atlanta in North Port.
Bruce Zimmermann, who’s started 27 games for the Orioles has the best shot of making the rotation in case there’s a need. Garrett Stallings, identified by manager Brandon Hyde as an example of rotation depth, threw three scoreless innings against Boston on Saturday.
There’s no panic about Gunnar Henderson or anyone else, either.
When Elias ticked off his list of injuries, he added infielder Gunnar Henderson, whose left oblique has kept him out of games so far.
Henderson seems to nearing a return, and Hyde thought it was possible he could return some time this week. If he’s able to play 10 or 12 Grapefruit League games, he should have enough at-bats to be ready for the opener.
Hyde is insistent Henderson will be ready.
One of the Orioles’ top prospects, second baseman/outfielder Connor Norby, has yet to play because of a left side injury. Norby thinks he should be available in a few days, but he’s missing time to show off his skills.
Catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo has a right elbow injury, and he isn’t ready to play, either. Basallo is the 17th rated prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
Elias said if he plays in Grapefruit League games, it will be as a designated hitter. He likely won’t catch until late April.
All eyes are on Jackson Holliday.
Holliday, who is starting at second against the Braves in North Port, is learning second base, and being given every opportunity to start the season with the Orioles.
The top prospect in baseball has played 25 games at second base in the minors, and though he’s primarily a shortstop, they’re confident he’ll be able to feel comfortable there.
Former Orioles greats J.J. Hardy and Brian Roberts are in camp as guest instructors, working with Holliday.
How many bullpen spots are open?
Craig Kimbrel will begin the season as the closer. Yennier Cano and left-handers Danny Coulombe and Cionel Pérez are assured spots. Mike Baumann is out of options as is Jacob Webb. Dillon Tate has two options left, but he could be a big weapon.
If the Orioles want a third left-hander, Zimmermann or Nick Vespi have legitimate chances. So do Keegan Akin, Tucker Davidson and Matt Krook. Others with major league experience are right-handers Bryan Baker, Jonathan Heasley and Kaleb Ort.
Who gets the last position player spot?
If Holliday makes the team, that makes for a difficult choice. Assuming Ramón Urías is on the team along with infielders Henderson, Holliday, Ryan Mountcastle, Ryan O’Hearn and Jordan Westburg and outfielders Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander, that leaves two spots open.
Jorge Mateo will get some time in center field besides shortstop. Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad and Ryan McKenna have the best chances to come north.