Spring Training

Spring Training Primer: Intrasquads start; Nuno expected; ‘Andino at the Movies’ no more

What’s happening: Right-handers Tyler Wilson (pictured above) and Mike Wright combined for 25 starts and 42 appearances for the Orioles in 2016. Neither did enough to really separate himself from the pack going into this year. But they’ll get the first cracks on the mound this spring as they’ve been tabbed to start today’s initial Orioles’ intrasquad game, which begins at 1:05 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium.

Besides Wilson and Wright, Logan Verrett, Zach Stewart, Jason Garcia, Jayson Aquino, Joe Gunkel, Gabriel Ynoa, Donnie Hart, Oliver Drake, Parker Bridwell and Richard Rodriguez are also scheduled to pitch today.

The Orioles also will play an intrasquad game Wednesday and, like today’s, it will not be open to the public. Wednesday’s pitchers have not been announced, but right-hander Logan Ondrusek (ankle) will be held out of both games.

What’s happened: Left-hander Vidal Nuno, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday for minor league reliever Ryan Moseley, is expected to report to camp Wednesday.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Manager Buck Showalter said that Nuno could both start and relieve.

“That’s one of the attractions of him. [He’s a] starter, reliever, long reliever, [has] options,” Showalter said. “We got caught in some tough situations last year where we couldn’t manipulate and maneuver.”

Nuno is expected to challenge for a bullpen spot along Wilson, Wright and Verrett. All four have options. T.J. McFarland, who was designated for assignment to make room for Nuno on the 40-man roster, is out of options.

What they’re saying: “I ain’t focused on no movies this year. I’m focused on catching the ball. Ain’t going to see no ‘Andino at the Movies.’ If they ask me, I’m focusing on catching the ball, putting a bunt down or something.” — Robert Andino, trying to make the Orioles as a non-roster infielder, on not bringing back his popular, in-game, film-review feature that was shown on the Camden Yards scoreboard.

What’s the number? 9 — That’s how many outfielders are on the Orioles’ 40-man roster. And that doesn’t include any non-roster invitees such as Michael Bourn, signed to a minor-league deal Monday, or Craig Gentry, who signed a minor-league deal Saturday.

Rich Dubroff covers the Orioles for PressBoxOnline.com. You can read his stories here.

 

Rich Dubroff

Rich Dubroff grew up in Brooklyn as a fan of New York teams, but after he moved to Baltimore, quickly adopted the Orioles and Colts. After nearly two decades as a freelancer assisting on Orioles coverage for several outlets, principally The Capital in Annapolis and The Carroll County Times, Dubroff began covering the team fulltime in 2011. He spent five years at Comcast SportsNet’s website and for the last two seasons, wrote for PressBoxonline.com, Dubroff lives in Baltimore with his wife of more than 30 years, Susan.

View Comments

  • team is looking pretty good we need a catcher that knows our pitchers and doesn't leave to play in the wbc. Bet you know who I'm talking about

    • I would like to second this obviously knowledgeable man's suggestion regarding 'you know who' he's talking about ....

    • Wade, have to disagree a bit, consider this, you're offered the opportunity to play for your country ( and make no mistake, baseball is HUGE in the Dominican Republic, I've been there twice and there are baseball diamonds all over the place. During a visit this past January, the Caribbean Classic was taking place, banners and people showing support for the teams just about everywhere you went) your employer is allowing you to do so. Would you not want to play for your country under those circumstances?

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