Valencia making Orioles opening day roster

Valencia making Orioles opening day roster
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter would like to have his opening day roster set in his mind, if not officially on paper, before the team breaks camp and flies to Norfolk for Monday afternoon's game against its Triple-A affiliate, but there might be some late activity that pushes the final decisions deeper into next week. The 40-man roster is full and space likely will be needed to accommodate a handful of non-roster invitees, including infielder Danny Valencia, who's staying...

Wynns optioned and wrapping up a 5-4 loss

Wynns optioned and wrapping up a 5-4 loss
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made a bold statement about their backup catching situation today by optioning Austin Wynns to Triple-A Norfolk. The remaining candidates are down to Chance Sisco and Andrew Susac. Wynns batted .222/.391/.556 (4-for-18) with two home runs, three RBIs, five walks and seven strikeouts. His work behind the plate earned him high marks, but couldn't prevent him from heading to minor league camp. "The way Austin is, he's just pushing all the time," said manager Buck...

Updating Mike Wright Jr.'s latest start (O's fall 5-2)

Updating Mike Wright Jr.'s latest start (O's fall 5-2)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles turned three double plays this afternoon to provide assistance to Mike Wright Jr. in his latest bid to make the rotation, but he couldn't turn back the Blue Jays in a three-run fifth inning that marred his outing. Wright was charged with four runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked a batter, struck out two and committed a balk, and he left the game with a 4.91 ERA in five appearances. Joely Rodriguez stranded two runners by retiring Justin Smoak on a fly...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter is resting some of his regulars today who made the East Coast trip, with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop listed as reserves for a 1:05 p.m. game against the Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium. First baseman Chris Davis won't play until Sunday. Trey Mancini gets another start at first base. Danny Valencia is the third baseman today and the middle infield will be handled by Engelb Vielma and Luis Sardiñas. Colby Rasmus is serving as the designated...

Wondering about the roster impact of Trumbo injury

Wondering about the roster impact of Trumbo injury
SARASOTA, Fla. - The news that Mark Trumbo is headed to the disabled list with a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps muscle paints a different picture of the projected opening day roster. Pedro Álvarez, signed last month as a "what-if" insurance policy, appears to have a better shot at breaking camp with the team, though manager Buck Showalter didn't run with the idea yesterday in Jupiter. It would have required a prolonged absence from Trumbo or first baseman Chris Davis, who's still...

Utility competition loses player but doesn't gain much clarity

Utility competition loses player but doesn't gain much clarity
SARASOTA, Fla. - Among the most unsettled competitions in Orioles camp is the job of utility infielder, which ideally requires the player also to have outfield skills. Not a deal-breaker, but a sweet bonus. No one within the current group of candidates has seized the opportunity. There are absolutely no indications that the Orioles will head north with Luis Sardiñas or Engleb Vielma and they reassigned Ruben Tejada yesterday to minor league camp. It's nice to have that kind of middle...

Who's batting leadoff for Orioles?

Who's batting leadoff for Orioles?
SARASOTA, Fla. - Tim Beckham led off for the Orioles last night in their split-squad game against the Phillies and nothing can be read into it. Manager Buck Showalter hasn't decided on a leadoff hitter. He doesn't know whether it will be a regular or if he'll need two depending on the platoon. Maybe he'll really buy into the theory that a team's best hitters should be stacked at the top. Practice what others preach. Colby Rasmus has hit first against right-handers. Chris Davis' last...

Cashner tosses four scoreless innings in debut (O's win 4-0)

Cashner tosses four scoreless innings in debut (O's win 4-0)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Andrew Cashner became the first Orioles starter this spring to go more than three innings, and he did it in his first appearance on a stadium mound. Making his debut against the Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium, Cashner tossed four shutout innings and allowed only one hit, with three walks and two strikeouts. The hit came on a bunt by former Orioles farmhand Pedro Florimón. Cashner threw 60 pitches, 36 for strikes. Kevin Gausman, Mike Wright Jr., Nestor Cortes Jr., Miguel Castro...

Davis receives injection in elbow (Mariñez reassigned, O's up 11-2)

Davis receives injection in elbow (Mariñez reassigned, O's up 11-2)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis received a cortisone injection this morning in his right elbow in an attempt to reduce the inflammation and accelerate his return to the lineup. Manager Buck Showalter emphasized that Davis hasn't experienced a setback. "Nothing that's going to stretch that out any more, and if anything, we hope it shortens it," Showalter said. According to Showalter, he hasn't been told anything about the injection that leads him to be concerned. "Not...

Another look at roster competitions

Another look at roster competitions
SARASOTA, Fla. - With the season opener less than three weeks away, the Orioles aren't any closer to deciding on a fifth starter for their rotation. However, the slim chances of Gabriel Ynoa winning the job turned to zero with yesterday's news that his shin splints will keep him out for at least two weeks. The in-house candidates remain Mike Wright Jr., Miguel Castro and Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. Any temptation to keep Hunter Harvey likely will be extinguished due to his failure to pitch...

Ynoa out at least two weeks (and other notes, O's lose 8-5)

Ynoa out at least two weeks (and other notes, O's lose 8-5)
DUNEDIN, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Gabriel Ynoa will be out a minimum of two weeks with a "stress reaction" in his shins, likely eliminating him from consideration for a roster spot on opening day. "It's not a stress fracture, just some inflammation," said manager Buck Showalter. "Luckily, they took the MRI and caught it. Could have turned into a stress fracture. But that's probably going to be two weeks minimum with Ynoa." Ynoa was a longshot to win the fifth starter's job, but the...

Orioles reassign Garner, more on right field situation (O's down 3-1)

Orioles reassign Garner, more on right field situation (O's down 3-1)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have reassigned reliever Perci Garner to minor league camp before today's game against the Blue Jays. The camp roster is down to 51 players. Garner tossed three scoreless and hitless innings in his three appearances, with two walks and two strikeouts. He made the trip to Port Charlotte yesterday and escaped a jam after a pair of two-out walks. The Orioles signed Garner as a minor league free agent on Dec. 1 and he underwent arthroscopic surgery later in the month...

Liranzo optioned, Cashner nearing Grapefruit League debut

Liranzo optioned, Cashner nearing Grapefruit League debut
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Orioles extended their streak of removing players from their camp roster this morning by optioning right-hander Jesus Liranzo to Double-A Bowie. The roster is down to 52 players and more cuts are coming over the next few days. Liranzo, who turns 23 today, was slow-played this spring to protect his right shoulder. He was charged with five runs yesterday against the Twins in Fort Myers, the last three scoring after he left the game. Meanwhile, Andrew Cashner may be...

Random thoughts and quotes as the Orioles enjoy a day off

Random thoughts and quotes as the Orioles enjoy a day off
SARASOTA, Fla. - The one off-day of spring training is here, with the Orioles closing the Ed Smith Stadium complex and being reintroduced to the concept of sleep. No games, no workouts, no media access. Some guys golf or fish. Others race to the airport to spend a day at home with their families or make plans for Disney World. The beach may beckon. A couple of players may need treatment for injuries, but it won't take up much of their morning. Chris Davis is shut down with a tender right...

Latest roster cuts and updating Gentry, Davis and Hays

Latest roster cuts and updating Gentry, Davis and Hays
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles reassigned infielders Erick Salcedo and Garabez Rosa to minor league camp following yesterday's game in Clearwater. Salcedo was competing for a spot as the utility infielder. He impressed at second base and shortstop and also went 4-for-8 with a double. Rosa, who was 3-for-16 with a double and home run, played first base and is expected to remain at the position in the minors. "Salcedo can catch the ball," said manager Buck Showalter. "Very intelligent, a smart...

Teammates talk up Tillman's simulated game

Teammates talk up Tillman's simulated game
SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Tillman wanted feedback from his teammates following yesterday's simulated game at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Give him the good and the bad and don't hold back. Mincing words serves no purpose as he eases back into competition. Tillman threw 42 pitches in two innings and drew positive reviews. Most important, they were honest reviews. "I thought he had a nice mix to his pitches," said Mark Trumbo. "Thought his changeup looked real nice. He dropped some really...

Davis to undergo MRI, Lee optioned and other notes (O's up 1-0)

Davis to undergo MRI, Lee optioned and other notes (O's up 1-0)
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said first baseman Chris Davis will undergo an MRI this afternoon on his right elbow/forearm area due to soreness that's increased in severity over the past few days. Davis has been restricted to the designated hitter role to avoid throwing. He's 2-for-13 with one home run, three RBIs, three walks and seven strikeouts. "That elbow is not managing quite like he had hoped," Showalter said. "It was sore again, so it's not moving forward like...

Valencia signs minor league deal, prepares for competition

Valencia signs minor league deal, prepares for competition
SARASOTA, Fla. - Danny Valencia has arrived at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, hugging teammates from his past who are here and dismissing the idea that his minor league deal will lead him to Triple-A Norfolk. He has every intention of playing in Baltimore this summer. The Orioles announced Valencia's signing this morning, which includes an invitation to major league camp. Valencia indicated that he'd exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, the date most likely near the end of March. Asked...

Pregame notes on Gausman, Cashner, Hays and more (tied 1-1)

Pregame notes on Gausman, Cashner, Hays and more (tied 1-1)
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Kevin Gausman will make his next start Saturday afternoon against the Phillies in Clearwater. No need to push him back following the home plate collision in his debut. "He's good, ready to go," said manager Buck Showalter. "We got lucky there." Andrew Cashner impressed observers during today's two-inning simulated game in Sarasota. Cashner faced Mark Trumbo, Tim Beckham and Craig Gentry and he shattered a couple of bats. "Got some firewood for tonight," Showalter...

Updating MRIs on Chris Lee and Austin Hays (plus more notes)

Updating MRIs on Chris Lee and Austin Hays (plus more notes)
SARASOTA, Fla. - An MRI administered this morning confirmed that Orioles left-hander Chris Lee sustained an injury to his right oblique muscle and he's expected to be sidelined at least four weeks. Lee wasn't expected to break camp with the team, but the injury totally eliminates the possibility. The MRI on Austin Hays was more favorable. Hays has some inflammation behind his right shoulder, but he could be available to hit. The Orioles will prevent him from throwing for about three days,...