The Orioles are 5-3 through their first eight games of the spring. SS Richie Martin, C Chance Sisco, RHP Mike Wright and RHP Jimmy Yacabonis have been impressive early on and helped their chances of making the team.
Starters
Dylan Bundy
(2/1) Coming off a down 2018 season, Bundy looks to rebound.
(2/28) Allowed a run while spreading out four hits over two IP in his debut. Sat 90-92, but his fastball was barreled often.
Alex Cobb
(2/1) Got off to a slow start, but a strong second half could make him a a viable trade chip at the trading deadline
(3/1) Lifted after 23 pitches after getting just two outs. Allowed four runs on three hits and a walk.
Andrew Cashner
(2/1) Probably a 5th starter/swingman on most teams, Cashner will most likely settle in as the O’s 3rd starter
Nate Karns
(2/7) Signed for 800K plus incentives, if healthy and can stay healthy, he’s got an excellent chance to up at the 4th starter.
(2/25) Struggled in his debut and came up one out short of making his two innings. Allowed four runs, three earned on four hits and two walks. Did strike out two. Hit 93 MPH.
(3/3) Missed his start due to a sore arm which he claims is fatigue. Had a side session on Saturday and claims to feel better. After missing all of last season and good part of 2017, it;s worth monitoring closely.
David Hess
(2/1) Unless he implodes or has an injury, you have to expect he will be in the rotation right now
(2/7) If Karns is healthy and pitches well, it puts Hess back into the 5th starter’s competition and will now need to outpitch the other candidates this spring
(2/28) Came in after Bundy and allowed one run on three hits and two walks. Two of the hits allowed though were a sun-aided single and an infield single that Villar Non-chalanted into a single. Sat 92-94 but touched 95. Slider was a go to offspeed.
Jimmy Yacabonis (R)
(2/1) Used as a starter at times, he’s better suited to a multiple innings reliever and could be valuable part of the bullpen.
(2/24) Looked good allowing just one hit over two innings of work while striking out three.
(2/28) Slinging a 94-98 MPH fastball with some sink and good arm side run. The slider and change really move as well, but command of them remains an issue. Struck out two, walked one over two hitless innings. If the Orioles keep adding innings to him, he could become the darkhorse to make the rotation.
Josh Rogers
(2/1) Has as much chance as any other candidate to win the 5th starter’s job.
(2/26) Gave up two hits and no runs in three innings pitched. One walk.
(3/1) Tossed two hitless innings. Has yet to be scored upon this spring.
Yefry Ramirez
(2/1) Showed flashes last year and probably is better off as a reliever at the big level, but should get a chance to compete for a rotation spot.
(2/23) Started the first game of the spring, allowing one run over two innings of work.
(3/3) Allowed two hits, including a Bogarts solo home runs in his three innings of work.
John Means
(2/1) Has to be in the conversation for the 5th starter job. Showed flashes last year in AAA of being ready.
(2/26) Only got one out in his debut, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk.
(3/1) Tossed two hitless innings in a start against the Yankees major league squad, allowing just a walk with two strikeouts. Worked 91-94 MPH.
Luis Ortiz
(2/1) The Orioles may want to see him get more experience in AAA, but a great spring could springboard him into the 5th starter’s job
(2/13) Ortiz told MASN he lost 25 pounds this off season.
(3/1) Allowed four runs on five hits over two innings of work. Now has a 13.50 ERA this spring.
Hunter Harvey
(2/1) Sounds like a broken record, but just needs to stay healthy and go back to AA and perform well. Could be interesting to see if the new regime converts him to a reliever.
(2/25) Threw in the mid to upper 90’s including a strikeout on a 98 MPH fastball, but allowed a long two-run homer to Byron Buxton.
(3/1) Struck out two, allowing a walk in one inning of work.
Dillion Tate
(2/1) Another pitcher that may need a move to the bullpen, but for now he’ll get a look and probably end up back in AA again.
Mike Wright
(2/1) It will be really interesting to see how much of a chance Wright gets after another sub-par season and really poor analytics that suggest he won’t improve.
(2/23) Pitched two shutout innings in his spring debut. The Orioles announced they will develop him as a starter this spring.
(2/26) Tossed two more shutout innings in a start.
(3/3) Working against the Red Sox starters for the most part, tossed three shutout innings to keep his spring perfect.
(NR) Dean Kremer
(2/1) As a non-roster guy with less than half a season above A-ball, he’s here to get a look by the big league staff.
(2/14) Kremer has a left oblique strain that could put him behind by at least two more weeks. He suffered the injury in an off season throwing incident.
(NR) Gabriel Ynoa
(2/1) Coming back after missing all of 2019, Ynoa may be better suited to a relief role but may end up a starter in AAA
Relievers
Mychal Givens (R)
(2/1) Should be the closer this year
Richard Bleier (L)
(2/1) Missed most of last year with an injury, but may be the only other reliever pretty much guaranteed a spot in the bullpen.
Miguel Castro (R)
(2/1) His command took a big step back last season, but has the stuff and experience to be an innings eater in the pen.
(2/28) Pitched a perfect inning of relief with a K.
Tanner Scott (L)
(2/1) Showed flashes of being a dominant reliever at times but can still be a box of chocolates because of his inconsistent command.
(2/24) Couldn’t make it through his first inning of the spring, allowing four runs on four hits while only getting one out.
Paul Fry (L)
(2/1) Ate some important innings at times last year, but doesn’t dominate lefties
(3/3) Tossed a perfect inning of relief showing off a very good slider that got two strikeouts. Has yet to allow a run in three appearances.
Pedro Araujo (R)
(2/1) If healthy. has to be kept on the big league roster for part of April in order for the Orioles to be able to keep him helps him make the team out of spring training.
(2/28) Made his debut, managed to only get one out before being lifted after allowing a run on two hits and walk.
Cody Carroll (R)
(2/1) Really struggled in his major league debut last season, but a clean slate and a lack of experienced relievers gives him a chance to make the big league team.
(2/24) Allowed two hits be stranded them both in a scoreless inning of work. Velocity was only 92-94.
(2/28) Struck out the side, but allowed two hits including a two-run homer in one inning of work.
Branden Kline (R)
(2/1) A good spring could certainly springboard him past AAA and onto the big league team.
(2/24) Made his spring debut by striking the side in his only inning of work. Showed a 94-96 MPH fastball and plus slider. After the game manager Brandon Hyde had one word to describe his outing, “Wow!”
(2/27) Second scoreless inning only two strikeouts this time.
Evan Phillips (R)
(2/1) Was downright awful in his major league taste last season and has an uphill battle to make the team.
(2/27) CLean inning with two Ks.
(3/3) Tossed two shutout innings against mostly minor leaguers at the end of the game.
Josh Osich (L)
(2/19) Left-handed reliever acquired off waivers from the Giants will get chance to impress his new team.
(NR) Sean Gilmartin (L)
(2/1) Pitched really well and was a bit surprising he was DFA’d off the reoster before being resigned. Actually could make the team with a good spring.
(2/24) Got only one out before being removed after allowing three runs on three walks and a hit.
(NR) Chris Lee (L)
(2/1) Flashes potential but doesn’t miss many bats and has struggled in most chances above AA.
(NR) Josh Lucas (R)
(2/1) A depth reliever with major league experience would really need to be dynamic to earn a spot.
(2/26) Tossed a shut out inning with two Ks.
(NR) Zach Pop (R)
(2/1) Hard throwing right-handed who will probably end up back in AA or AAA to start season but who could see time in Baltimore in 2019
(2/23) Pitched a shutout inning in his debut, but the big news was his lack of velocity (86-87). Pop explained that he was easing his way in but Hyde said the team with go slow with him until they are sure he’s ready to pitch again.
(NR) Bo Schultz (R)
(2/1) A 33-year old former major leaguers who is looking for a comeback with the Orioles
(2/27) Pounded. Got the win with a three run Blown Save.
(NR) Gregory Infante (R)
(2/1) Two year removed from a decent season as a reliever for the White sox, the 31-year old right-hander will get a chance this spring
(2/14) Reportedly has an illness that has kept him from leave Venezuela. Whatever slim chances he had of making the team will not be helped by being delayed into camp.
Catchers
Austin Wynns
(2/1) Comes into the season as the only catcher in camp with a spot on the opening day roster minus a complete meltdown this spring.
Chance Sisco
(2/1) Coming off an awful season that saw him struggle both offensively and defensively. Still has a chance to make the team and earn playing time with a good spring.
(2/23) Got the opening spring start and homered.
(2/27) As the DH, went 3-for-3 with two home runs while driving in five. He’s batting .667 with three home runs and a 2.881 OPs. That’s a good start to the spring.
(3/1) Hit his 4th home run of the spring as he continues to hit like spring training wonder Jake Fox.
(NR) Jesus Sucre
(2/1) The Rays backup catcher last season is coming off an awful offensive season but is solid defensively. Has as good a chance as any catcher in camp to make the team.
(2/13) Apparently has Visa problems and has not reported to camp. For a guy who is in the running for a major league job, that’s not a good start.
(NR) Carlos Perez
(2/1) Spent time with Texas and Atlanta last season but has yet to translate good AAA numbers to the major league level.
(2/24) Went 1-for-2 with a two-run double in his debut.
(2/27) Went 0-for-3 in a start.
(NR) Andrew Susac
(2/1) Known more for his defense, he did not show well in his limited opportunity last season.
(2/28) Went 0-for-1 and has received only 3 PAs so far this spring.
(NR) Martin Cervenka
(2/1) Really nice season at Bowie last season earned him a look this spring.
(2/27) Walked in his only PA today. Has only two PAs this spring.
(NR) Cael Brockmeyer
(2/13) Career minor leaguer signed in January brought into camp due to Sucre’s Visa problems
(2/27) Went 0-for-1 and allowed a stolen base after coming in for Perez late. Has also played some 1B, but only two ABs.
First Base
Chris Davis
(2/1) Although he could end up at DH or maybe even given a look in right field, it’s all about whether his bat can rebound for a historically bad season.
(2/24) Struck out twice in two at bats in his debut.
(2/26) Homered and drove in two Grounded out . Struck out.
(2/28) 0-for-2 with two more K’s. Did walk on a 3-2 curveball that missed off the plate and in the dirt.
(NR) Ryan Mountcastle
(2/1) One of the Orioles top prospects, it will be more interesting to see where Mountcastle plays with the new regime. He’ll be at AAA to start the year.
(2/23) – Made his spring training debut playing 1B. He said he’s focusing on playing 3B this year, but his first action comes at 1B.
(2/26) – Continues to play first base only. Collected his first hit.
(2/27) – Made his 3B debut this spring. Went 0-for-2 after coming in for Nunez.
(3/3) – Went 2-for-3 after coming in as a DH. Batting .188 on spring after a slow start.
Second Base
Jonathan Villar
(2/1) Although he could play SS, it appears with the Rule 5 draftees the Orioles are hoping to play him at second base every day.
(2/28) Went 1-for-3 to pick up his first hit of the spring, but non-chalanted a ball into a hit that cost the team a run.
Shortstop
Richie Martin
(2/1) The #1 pick in the Rule five draft, Martin is the odds on favorite to make the team, but will also compete for the starting shortstop job due to his defensive skills.
(2/23) Started at SS in the Orioles spring opener 0-for-2.
(2/27) Went 2-for-2 with a 2B. Stole a base. Drove in two and scored three runs. Batting .429 with a 1.071 OPS.
(3/1) Continues his hot spring going 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base.
(3/3) Went 1-for-3, but more importantly made a diving play combined with a strong throw to steal a hit at SS.
Drew Jackson
(2/1) The other Rule five draft pick Jackson will compete with Martin for the shortstop position but also will be in the utility job competition.
(2/23) Replaced Martin in the opener at SS, went 1-for-2 but made an error.
(2/24) Went 1-for-1 with a walk, but was unable to make a play over the middle that could have ended an inning.
(2/26) Played center field. Two strong throws. Error.
(2/27) Back to SS, went 0-for-2 with a K. Batting .250 with a .583 OPS.
(3/3) Started at 2B and then moved to CF, went 3-for-4 and scored two runs. Starting to look like the top utility candidate.
(NR) Alcides Escobar
(2/16) Coming off an absolute brutal season last year, signed to a minor league contract in order to provide some veteran depth to the SS battle.
(2/26) Batting .677.
(2/28) Went 1-for-3 with two RBIs while starting at SS. Getting a lot of playing time early on,
Third Base
Renato Nunez
(2/1) The starting third baseman for most of last season, Nunez showed enough to be the odds on favorite to win the job this year.
(2/27) Went 2-for-3 and is batting .286 but only a .536 OPS.
Rio Ruiz
(2/1) Claimed off waivers from Atlanta by Elias, Ruiz will get a fresh start after struggling in Atlanta.
(2/24) In his first start of the spring, hit a long three-run homer and walked.
(2/26) Went 1-for-3 and is batting .600 this spring so far.
(2/27) Started at 1B, went 0-for-2 with a walk. Batting .426 with a 1.357 OPS.
(3/3) An 0-for-4 drops his spring average to .214.
Utility
Steve Wilkerson
(2/1) – Was a favorite of the previous regime, he has a tentative hold on his 40-man roster spot and will need a great spring and some injuries/poor performance to make the team.
(2/23) Started the Orioles spring opener at first base and went 0-for-2.
(2/26) Started in LF and went 1-for-2. Has played 1B, 2B, and LF this spring so far.
(3/1) Started at 2B, went 0-for-3 with two K. Batting just .167 with .381 OPS.
(3/3) Started in RF, then moved to 2B for a bit. Went 1-for-2 with a stolen base. Batting .214.
Hanser Alberto – (2/1) Has yet to take his AAA hitting success to his limited chances in the majors but can play all three infield positions
(2/19) DFA’d for Josh Osich. The Orioles will hope he makes it through waivers and bring him back to camp as a non-roster invitee.
(2/21) Claimed by San Francisco.
(3/1) Claimed by Orioles again from San Francisco.
(NR) Christopher Bostick
(2/1) Played a lot of outfield last season, but has the ability to play second base and third base. Could see more time in the outfield though listed as an infielder.
(2/27) Went 0-for-2 while coming in to play LF. Has also played 3B this spring. Batting .143 in 7 at bats.
(2/28) Filled in at 3B and made an error.
(3/3) Filled in at 2B and went 0-for-2 and is batting .077 on the spring. Has a below average arm that limits his effectiveness in the field.
(NR) Jace Peterson
(2/1) The Orioles utility guy last season has an uphill battle to break camp with the Orioles. Will provide AAA depth.
(2/28) Started at 3B and went 1-for-3 and stole a base.
(3/3) Started at 1B and went 2-for-2 with a walk. Batting .364 this spring.
(NR) Zach Vincej
(2/1) Has the ability to play shortstop and has hit a bit in AAA.
(2/27) Played 2B today and went 0-for-1. Only 4 at bats so far.
(NR) Jack Reinheimer
(2/1) Passed through waivers three times this offseason. Reinheimer’s ability to play shortstop could make him a solid utility candidate.
(2/7) DFA’d to make room for Nate Karns and remains in limbo
(2/14) Passed through waivers, assigned to Norfolk and invited back to camp where he will compete for a utility job.
(2/26) Three for four with a double in two games.
(2/27) Played 2B, went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. Batting .571 with a 1.271 OPS.
(3/3) Went 0-for-2 coming in at SS. Batting .400 now this spring.
Leftfield/Rightfield
Trey Mancini
(2/1)Orioles still list him as an outfielder but he could end up at first base with Davis going to DH. For now, we’ll list him here but he will see first base and maybe DH time.
(2/24) Went 2-for-2 with a stolen base while playing left field.
(3/3) Only had five PAs before starting today but left the game early with a trainer. Supposedly came out for s “sore” pinky finger, but only has 6 PAs all spring, significantly lower than any other assumed starter.
DJ Stewart
(2/1) Odds on favorite right now to make the team and could end up the regular left or right fielder with a good spring. Doesn’t really have the arm to play RF, but could end up there.
(2/27) Got his first hit of the spring with a double after coming in for Santander in RF. Batting .125.
(3/1) Smacked two doubles in three at bats in a start in RF.
(3/3) Came in when Mancini left early and played LF. Went 2-for-3 with his 4th 2B of spring. Batting .333 with .933 OPS.
Joey Rickard
(2/1) Put up his best offensive numbers last season and is one of the best defensive outfielders in camp. Has a good chance of not just making the team but starting against lefties.
(2/23) Started in RF in the Orioles opener going 0-for-2 against a right-handed starter.
(2/28) Hitting line drives all over the field, going 2-for-3 with a triple. Batting .500 with a 1.475 OPS this spring.
Anthony Santander
(2/1) Former rule 5 pick had a down year last season and will need a good year to re-shine his star. Has flashed a good hit tool and raw power.
(2/23) Played RF and went 1-for-2 with a double in the Orioles opener.
(2/27) Started in RF and went 1-for-3. Batting .333 with a .778 OPS.
Austin Hays
(2/1) One of the Orioles top prospects, he’ll get a look in the spring but is most likely heading to AA or AAA to start the year.
(2/24) Made his spring debut and went 1-for-2 with an opposite field single. Interestingly, he started in center field.
(2/28) Went 1-for-4 with a triple whiles starting in CF once again. Batting .333 with a .889 OPS.
Mark Trumbo
(2/1) – May not be ready and could start the season on the disabled list. Will probably see more time at DH than right field but we’ll list him here.
(3/3) Taking BP, but has yet to play in a game.
(NR) Eric Young Jr.
(2/9) Signed to a minor league contract with a spring training invite. Will have an opportunity to win a backup outfield job and provide veteran presence.
(2/23) Started in LF in the Orioles debut going 0-for-2.
(3/1) Continues to hit, going 2-for-2 with a walk. Batting .444 with a 1.389 OPS so far this spring.
(NR) Mike Yastrzemski
(2/1) Can play all three outfield positions, but is more of a left fielder. Probably heading back to AAA to provide depth.
(3/3) Getting some decent playing time in CF, but 0-for-9 on the spring so far.
(NR) Yusniel Diaz
(2/1) One of the Orioles top prospects, Diaz will start 2019 in AA or AAA.
(2/23) Started at DH (nursing a sore right arm) and went 1-for-3 with a long home run.
(2/26) Four for Ten on the spring. OPS 1.100.
(2/28) Continues to rake, going 3-for-4 with two doubles. Batting .500 with 1.357 OPS in 14 ABs.
Centerfield
Cedric Mullins
(2/1)Switch-hitting center fielder should be the everyday starter but could sit some against lefties giving way to Rickard.
(2/23) Started in CF in the opener going 2-for-2 with walk and stolen base. Can’t get much better for a debut.
(3/3) 0-for-4 sinks his spring average to .133. Moved to RF late in the game for Drew Jackson to play CF.
(NR) Ryan Mckenna
(2/1) Getting a chance to show the new staff his ability this spring but should be heading back to Bowie to start 2019.
(3/3) Came in for Mullins but played RF as Yaz played CF. Got on base twice getting HBP and drawing a walk, but still looking for his first spring hit.
Cuts/Moves
Donnie Hart (L)
(2/1) Hart gets a second life due to his above average spin rate on his slider and is out of options, but he may need an injury to make the team.
(2/26) Tossed a shut out inning with two Ks.
(3/1) DFA’d after Hanser Alberto
