The Orioles have set their minor league rotations to start the 2017 season and although their are no big surprises based off our preseason depth chart, their will be a lot of good young pitching prospects to see this year down in the top four affiliates.
Norfolk
Mike Wright
Gabriel Ynoa
Chris Lee – LHP
Jayson Aquino – LHP
Alec Asher
Whoever out of the bunch ends up the “5th” starter and pitches on April 10th against Gwinnett, would be the pitcher who lines up to pitch on the 15th, the day the Orioles will need another starter. Aquino had the break out spring training and Lee and Ynoa were solid as well. All five of these guys are on the 40-man roster which mean all could see time in Baltimore this season. Wright and Asher are no longer considered a major league rookie. Some think Wright might be better in the bullpen so he could have the inside job if the team needs a long reliever.
Bowie
Brandon Barker
John Means – LHP
David Hess
Tanner Scott – LHP/Jason Garcia
Matthew Grimes
Scott will only throw three inning stints as the Orioles still see him as a reliever long term but want him to pitch more in order to develop him faster. Garcia will be piggybacked with him although most observers believe a relief role is his future anyways. Hess had a good spring and will be kept as a starter though most observers believe his future is in the pen as well. Barker, Means and Grimes will all return to Bowie and try to take a step forward.
Frederick
Keegan Akin – LHP
Cody Sedlock
Brian Gonzalez – LHP
Cristian Alvarado
Ofelky Peralta
Akin and Sedlock were put on the fast track skipping Delmarva after pitching in Aberdeen last year. Both are considered advanced college arms so it wouldn’t be surprised if they end the season in Bowie. Gonzalez has nice rebound year and will need to prove he’s made adjustments as he moves up to the Carolina League and Alvarado will try to prove his nice numbers last year will continue to translate as he moves up the chain despite having average stuff at best. Peralta will need to improve his command, but his mid to high 90s fastball should help him hold his own,
Delmarva
Lucas Humpal
Zach Muckenhirn – LHP
Matthias Dietz
Travis Seabrooke – LHP/Jhon Peluffo
Alex Wells – LHP
20-year old Wells should highlight this rotation as he will have to prove his pitchability, outstanding command, plus breaking ball and solid change will play as he moves up the chain. Muckenhirm is the under the radar prospect who could end up the best starter on this team. Dietz had a great spring and is reportedly harnessing his mid-90s fastball and Humpa will continue to get the ball every five days. Seabrooke will piggyback with Peluffo to start the season.
