What’s happening: Right-hander Dylan Bundy makes his first start of the Grapefruit League season Wednesday in Sarasota against the Boston Red Sox.
Because Chris Tillman won’t be ready to pitch on Opening Day due to shoulder soreness, Bundy could begin the year as the club’s second starter behind only Kevin Gausman.
Inserted into the rotation after the All-Star break last year, Bundy pitched in relief throughout all of last spring.
“Finishing up last year with 14 starts, and then getting a start in spring here, is a kind of a big step for me in a game here, because I haven’t done it in a while,” Bundy, 24, said.
Brad Brach is scheduled to make his first appearance of the spring Wednesday, and Darren O’Day is set to pitch for the first time in Grapefruit League action Friday.
What’s happened: While Mike Wright started and allowed a two-run home run in the second inning of a 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater on Tuesday, manager Buck Showalter had a surprise in store later in the game.
Showalter wanted to take a look at Cody Sedlock, last year’s No. 1 draft choice, and had the 21-year-old rookie come over from minor league camp.
Sedlock pitched the eighth inning and allowed four runs on five hits, giving up a three-run home run to Brock Stassi and a solo shot to Aaron Altherr.
“Get him out there, get his feet wet, something to work on, something to work from,” Showalter said. “Things like that can be kind of good for you. I don’t think he needs it. Good kid.”
What’s up with: Jayson Aquino. The lefty pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday, and has now put up four shutout innings. Aquino, who was not scored upon in three scoreless appearances last year, is a dark horse to make the club.
The 24-year-old Aquino may have a chance, though, because Showalter might want a third left-handed reliever besides Zach Britton and Donnie Hart.
Like Wright, Logan Verrett and Tyler Wilson and another left-hander, Vidal Nuno, Aquino has started in the minor leagues and can pitch multiple innings. Like the others, he also has options.
Aquino has another advantage. Nuno leaves Sunday to join Team Mexico for the World Baseball Classic, and Aquino could benefit from the exposure.
What they’re saying: “He’s been a highlight of early camp for me.” — Showalter on Aquino, who was purchased from the St. Louis Cardinals last April.
What’s the number? 62 — That’s how many RBIs that players in Tuesday’s Orioles’ starting lineup had in the major leagues last year. Non-roster infielders Johnny Giavotella (31) and Chris Johnson (24) had the most. Rookie Trey Mancini had five. Robert Andino and Logan Schafer, a non-roster outfielder, each had one. Caleb Joseph didn’t drive in any big league runs in 2016 and non-roster outfielder Chris Dickerson and Rule 5 draft picks Anthony Santander and Aneury Tavarez didn’t play in the majors.
What’s the record? 2-3 — Tuesday was the Orioles’ only trip to Clearwater. The Phillies play the Orioles twice in Sarasota on March 13 and 16.
Rich Dubroff covers the Orioles for PressBoxOnline.com. You can read his stories here.
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Not sure why, but I feel much more optimistic about the team this year than I did last year. There were big holes last year (lack of left handed pitchers, lack of outfielders, lack of OBP/speed guys) and for the most part, I feel like we're a much more complete team this year. 33 days. Can't wait!