The injury bug bit swiftly this spring as two the Orioles’ four infielders are out with injuries that impact their status for Opening Day. Third baseman Jordan Westburg (partially torn UCL) had a PRP injection and is going to be out at least two months, perhaps longer. Second baseman Jackson Holliday (broken hamate bone) will most likely be out until mid-April.
So with that as the backdrop for my initial projection for an Opening Day roster, let’s give it a whirl, keeping in mind that other injuries and trades can also determine the actual 26 players who will be with the Orioles on March 26 when the Orioles host the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards.
Starters (6): Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, Dean Kremer, Zach Eflin
There is a possibility that Eflin, who had back surgery in August, isn’t quite ready for the opener and he starts the season on the IL. But for now, I am including him. The bullpen is where change could come about, both in the look of the ‘pen and how it impacts the position player pool.
Relievers (7): Ryan Helsley, Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Albert Suárez, Dietrich Enns, Grant Wolfram, Rico Garcia
I prefer five starters and eight bullpen guys. Right now I have six starters and seven in the ‘pen. Cade Povich and Brandon Young seemed destined for Triple-A Norfolk to start the season. I didn’t see Rico Garcia on the 26-man roster, either, until Andrew Kittredge came down with shoulder inflammation.
Complicating this projection is Enns and Wolfram. If no other additions come into play, both should make the team, but I could see either another veteran reliever — say JoJo Romero or Michael Kopech — being a late addition.
Yennier Cano has not made a great impression with his results in the early going. In fact, it’s been downhill since he really broke on to the scene in 2023 (72.2 innings, 2.11 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) and began 2024 in a similar fashion. Since mid-June in 2024, he has thrown 86.2 innings to the tune of a 4.77 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. The Orioles love his arm, but they know they need to do better than what Cano has given them recently. So for me, Cano is a no. I think the Orioles deal him or option him to Triple-A.
For now, the 13-man pitching staff will consist of the six starters and seven relievers. Clearly, there is no law that Eflin or Bassitt can’t be used in relief or in piggy-back outings to keep them sharp.
Catchers (2): Adley Rutschman, Samuel Basallo
The catching staff seems pretty straightforward to start the season with two backstops. That leaves 11 spots open for the outfield and infield.
Outfielders (5): Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers, Tyler O’Neill, Leody Taveras
Heston Kjerstad has looked revitalized at the plate, but his defense makes him less likely to come north.
Infielders (6): Pete Alonso, Blaze Alexander, Gunnar Henderson, Coby Mayo And Two Others
Keeping in mind that Holliday should be back within a few weeks of the season starting, I say the club initially keeps the more flexible types over Ryan Mountcastle. At the moment, I see two of Jeremiah Jackson, Bryan Ramos and Thairo Estrada making the team.
The Orioles seem hell-bent in not giving Mountcastle away by designating him for assignment, so this is subject to change. It should also be noted that Coby Mayo is off to a solid start at the plate and must stay hot to ensure a spot on March 26. He still could be a candidate to be optioned.
As you are reading this, I have not quite touched down in Sarasota. My view on this and other storylines will be part of my bird’s eye view in the next week.
Photo Credit: Colin Murphy/PressBox