Checking on Orioles minor leaguers who became free agents

Checking on Orioles minor leaguers who became free agents
The current offseason for the Orioles may not seem typical with hires pending in the front office, no manager in place and promises to revamp the entire scouting operation. This isn't business as usual across the board. However, there are certain tasks that await the club and aren't influenced by other circumstances. Building up minor league depth is one of the priorities. Trying to find hidden and inexpensive gems. The Orioles also might try to keep a few of their own. The list of Orioles...

Sisco's collision, Brach's slump and other observations

Sisco's collision, Brach's slump and other observations
The Orioles announced after last night's game that rookie catcher Chance Sisco was day-to-day following a collision with Pedro Álvarez's forearm, the equivalent of running face-first into an oak tree. Sisco sustained a "facial contusion," according to the club, but wasn't showing symptoms of a concussion. He just looked that way while lying flat on his back after a failed pursuit of a pop up in foul territory. It doesn't appear that the Orioles are going to summon another catcher to...

Araujo makes Orioles roster (and other notes)

Araujo makes Orioles roster (and other notes)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Rule 5 reliever Pedro Araujo will head north with the Orioles and be part of their bullpen on opening day, news that came to him earlier today via bullpen mates Darren O'Day, Mychal Givens and Brad Brach. The smile on his face looks like it might have a shelf life of six months. Araujo allowed two runs and four hits in 8 2/3 innings, with only the Blue Jays scoring off him in a March 9 game. He walked two batters, struck out eight and kept gaining the organization's trust...

Susac and Vielma optioned, Sisco wins job (O's win 6-1)

Susac and Vielma optioned, Sisco wins job (O's win 6-1)
SARASOTA, Fla. - If the Orioles stick with their camp roster, Chance Sisco will serve as the backup catcher on opening day. The Orioles announced today that they've optioned catcher Andrew Susac and infielder Engelb Vielma to Triple-A Norfolk. They already sent out Austin Wynns, leaving Sisco as the last catching reserve standing. Sisco had a two-run double and two-run homer yesterday in a 10-7 win over the Red Sox and is batting .419/.471/.839 (13-for-31) with five doubles, one triple, two...

Gausman making start Monday (and other notes)

Gausman making start Monday (and other notes)
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Kevin Gausman is making his Grapefruit League debut on Monday afternoon against the Tigers at Ed Smith Stadium. Gausman will oppose right-hander Michael Fulmer, the American League's Rookie of the Year in 2016. Chris Tillman hasn't been notified of his first start since signing a one-year deal last week. Tillman will throw batting practice on Tuesday and should be ready, considering that he's been working out and completing bullpen sessions at the complex. Dylan Bundy said...

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox
SARASOTA, Fla. - Austin Hays is serving as the designated hitter today and Craig Gentry is leading off and playing center field, as the Orioles make the trip to Fort Myers to play the Red Sox. The lineup is missing a projected starter for the 2018 season. Joey Rickard is in right field - he could work into a platoon - and Anthony Santander is batting cleanup and playing left field. Austin Wynns is catching after hitting a home run last night to give the Orioles a 1-1 tie with the Twins. For the...

Susac returns to Orioles clubhouse after hospital stay

Susac returns to Orioles clubhouse after hospital stay
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are catching Caleb Joseph and Austin Wynns in today's intrasquad game and they're using Audry Perez and Chance Sisco as designated hitters. Andrew Susac will settle for being in the clubhouse instead of a hospital bed. Susac returned to the facility earlier this week after missing Sunday's workout and being treated for a staph infection. Today marked the first time that the media saw him at his locker. "Way better," he said. "Two days ago really was a big...

Susac missing from today's workout due to health issue

Susac missing from today's workout due to health issue
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles held an abbreviated workout this morning with no bullpen sessions on the agenda. Manager Buck Showalter ran various fielding drills, including bunt coverage. However, catcher Andrew Susac wasn't a participant due to an undisclosed physical issue. Showalter will meet with the media at 12:30 p.m. and provide an update on Susac, who came to the Orioles in a Feb. 2 trade with the Brewers. Hindered by injuries in the past - he went on the disabled list last year with a...

Sifting through spring training storylines

Sifting through spring training storylines
One more day until Orioles pitchers and catchers are required to post at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, Fla. The first workout is held the following day. My first trip to Publix will come later this afternoon after my flight lands in Tampa, I hop into a rental car and make the hour drive to the hotel. I can do it with my eyes closed, but local authorities keep issuing warnings. The offseason began with the Orioles needing three starting pitchers to fill out their rotation and more if...

Showalter nearing confirmation on Machado's 2018 position

Showalter nearing confirmation on Machado's 2018 position
The Orioles may not have a new player to introduce next Saturday at FanFest, though it won't be from a lack of effort. Executive vice president Dan Duquette continues to work the phones. But manager Buck Showalter indicated that a decision on Manny Machado's position could be revealed over the weekend. Take the news where you can find it. Showalter has talked about knowing in his gut whether Machado will stay at third base or move over to shortstop, but he isn't ready to go public with it....

Orioles sign Perez and Gamboa to minor league deals (updated)

Orioles sign Perez and Gamboa to minor league deals (updated)
With depth moves included on the offseason docket, the Orioles are returning catcher Audry Perez and pitcher Eddie Gamboa to the organization. Perez and Gamboa have signed minor league deals, the news coming via the club's Twitter account. The Orioles also announced the signings of infielder Anderson Féliz and outfielder D'Arby Myers that were reported earlier this month. Perez, 29, has spent the past three years in the organization, appearing in 78 and 84 games with Triple-A Norfolk in...

Nuño's departure and more on Orioles minor league free agents

Nuño's departure and more on Orioles minor league free agents
Vidal Nuño didn't give us much of a chance to become attached to him. Left camp for 10 days to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, spent a small portion of the summer with the Orioles, became a minor league free agent and found a new team. Nuño has signed a minor league deal with the Rays, as first reported by Baseball America's Matt Eddy. He elected free agency last month, joining pitcher Logan Verrett, catcher Francisco Peña and second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Infielder Rubén...

A look at the Orioles' list of pending minor league free agents

A look at the Orioles' list of pending minor league free agents
To put in perspective how long Garabez Rosa has been in the Orioles organization, when Adam Jones was traded to the club in February 2008, Rosa was about to begin his second season on the O's farm. Signed out of the Dominican Republic at 17 in November 2006, Rosa has played 1,154 games over 11 seasons in the Orioles' minor league system. Save for a few games at Triple-A Norfolk, he's been at Double-A Bowie since the 2013 season. He is the Baysox's all-time leader in games (590), hits (650),...

Welington Castillo goes on disabled list (O's lead 9-4)

Welington Castillo goes on disabled list (O's lead 9-4)
The Orioles have placed catcher Welington Castillo on the 10-day disabled list with a testicular injury and selected catcher Francisco Peña's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. The 40-man roster is full. Castillo spent much of last night in the emergency room after being hit in the groin by a pitch that first struck Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and caromed. "Most of the times, the ones that are really a problem are the angle, when you get a different angle," manager Buck Showalter said...

Francisco Peña outrighted to Norfolk

Francisco Peña outrighted to Norfolk
The Orioles' catching depth didn't take a hit this week. Francisco Peña cleared waivers today and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles designated him for assignment on May 17 to create a spot for reliever Stefan Crichton on the 25-man roster. In the process, they also freed up another spot on the 40-man roster, which now stands at 39 after they selected infielder Paul Janish's contract from Norfolk on Sunday. Peña went 4-for-7 with two home runs with the...

Injury updates, roster moves and Hardy's slump (O's lead 8-3)

Injury updates, roster moves and Hardy's slump (O's lead 8-3)
BOSTON - Orioles top pitching prospect Hunter Harvey will throw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Friday as he recovers from ligament-reconstructive surgery in his right elbow. "It will be good to get him back out there," said manager Buck Showalter. "We had hoped he'd make it back by June, so he's right on schedule." Outfielder Michael Bourn played nine innings today at extended spring training and should be reporting soon to Triple-A Norfolk. I wrote earlier that Double-A Bowie catcher...

The scoop on Chris Davis

The scoop on Chris Davis
The play drew more attention to third baseman Manny Machado, which tends to happen with any ball hit in his general direction. The magician with leather on his left hand and a cannon for a right arm leaped to knock down a line drive Wednesday night, reached back with the casual manner of someone picking up a quarter off the floor and fired to first baseman Chris Davis. Or in his general direction. Machado trusted that Davis would come off the bag, play the hop and record the out. Davis obliged,...

Irons in the fire, Tillman's schedule, Asher's debut and more

Irons in the fire, Tillman's schedule, Asher's debut and more
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said again today that executive vice president Dan Duquette has lots of "irons in the fire." He's checking the waiver wire and it's possible that someone else could be claimed before opening day. "The tiebreaker is going to be the people who are here that we know and we know what we're getting," Showalter said. The trick is determining if the available players are an upgrade. "It's tough," Showalter said. "This is where your...

Peña and Perez reassigned, wrapping up a 5-2 loss

Peña and Perez reassigned, wrapping up a 5-2 loss
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles reassigned catchers Francisco Peña and Audry Perez following today's 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays. The camp roster stands at 44, including 10 non-roster players. Peña was 1-for-12 and Perez went 1-for-11. Welington Castillo, Caleb Joseph and top prospect Chance Sisco are the only remaining catchers in camp. Castillo returns on Wednesday from the World Baseball Classic. More cuts are coming on Wednesday. Manager Buck Showalter indicated that Rule 5 picks Aneury...

A few early notes and Red Sox lineup

A few early notes and Red Sox lineup
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles brought relievers Brad Brach, Chris Lee and Jesus Liranzo from Sarasota to follow starter Ubaldo Jiménez tonight against the Red Sox. Pitchers Brian Moran, Luis Gonzalez, Stefan Crichton and Jimmy Yacabonis were added from minor league camp. Infielders Adrian Marin and Sean Coyle also came over from Twin Lakes Park. Francisco Peña is behind the plate tonight, and the travel roster also includes catchers Audry Perez and Austin Wynns. In Brach's last outing,...