Hyde on Holliday’s infield work; Orioles bring back Jones, Wieters as guest instructors

SARASOTA, Florida.-What’s happening?—Manager Brandon Hyde is looking forward to seeing 20-year-old Jackson Holliday play second base and shortstop this spring.

“He’s going to take ground balls in both places, and we’ll see where we are at the end of spring,” Hyde said. “He’s way more comfortable at shortstop than at second base at this point, so we want to make sure that he’s getting as comfortable as he can at second as well. We’re putting a lot of work in there.”

If the Orioles’ top prospect makes the team, he’s likely to share time at shortstop with Gunnar Henderson, who also plays third, and Jorge Mateo, who also can play center field.

Diego Castillo, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh on Friday, has yet to report.

What’s happened?—Eight former Orioles will serve as guest instructors during spring training. Three are doing it for the first time — Adam Jones (March 2^nd-9^th), Matt Wieters (March 5^th-8^th) and Robinson Chirinos (March 1^st-5^th). Chirinos backed up Adley Rutschman in 2022.

Scott McGregor (February 18^th-25^th), Ben McDonald (February 22^nd-27^th), Brian Roberts (February 20^th-24^th), J.J. Hardy (February 22^nd-28^th) and Eddie Murray (February 28^th-March 4^th) have served as guest instructors in recent years.

Combined, the instructors have 22 All-Star selections, 12 Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards.

“We’re fortunate enough throughout the year to have Ben McDonald and Jim Palmer around,” pitcher Tyler Wells said. “The opportunity to see McGregor again and see him once during the year as well.

“I think getting the insight from them and how their era of baseball was in comparison to now and being able to take some of those old-school approaches to the modern-day game, I think, are always great things to have. I always enjoy talking to them. I always enjoy listening to their experiences on and off the field and how the game itself has changed. It’s always a good time.”

What’s up with? Tucker Davidson was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on October 25th. He’s 3-10 with a 5.98 earned-run average and two saves in 55 games with Atlanta, the Los Angeles Angels and the Royals from 2020-2023. Davidson is trying to make the team as a non-roster left-handed reliever.

“I didn’t really expect it to happen, but Kansas City called me and they’re like; ‘You’re going to Baltimore,'” Davidson said. “It’s nice to join a team that just won 101 ballgames and won the division title, so I’m excited for it.”

Even with Wells and Cole Irvin likely going to the starting rotation to replace Kyle Bradish (sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow) and John Means (behind schedule because of a sore left elbow last season), it will be difficult for Davidson to make the team.

“It excites me. It reminds me of the early Braves when they were winning all those division titles when I was there. ‘I’ve got to be my best to beat this guy. I’ve got to beat this guy.’… It builds a good culture, and I’m excited for it. I think just overall, go out there and control what I can control, and everything will work out.”

Davidson is from Amarillo, Texas, Heston Kjerstad’s hometown, and played with his two older brothers in school.

“It’s nice to have people I do know here,” Davidson said.

What’s what? In 16 days, the Orioles acquired two infielders from Detroit. Tyler Nevin and Nick Maton.

Maton, who plays second base, shortstop, third base and left field, was with Philadelphia in 2021 and 2022 and hit .173 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs in 93 games for the Tigers last season.

“It’s always good to have a fresh start, especially in an organization like this,” Maton said. “They had a heck of a year last year, and there are a lot of good people in this clubhouse, good people up top helping everybody out. I think I can bring a lot of energy. I can play pretty much anywhere around the infield.”

Nevin spoke highly of the Orioles to Maton, and so far, he’s enjoying his new team.

“I’ve been four days, and I pretty much know everybody,” he said.

What’s the word? “He texted me. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Seriously, we’re both coming over here.'”-Maton on the message Nevin sent him when he found out about the moves.

What’s the number? 13. There have been just 13 sets of three brothers who’ve played in the major leagues. The Matons hope to make it 14. Nick Maton’s brother, Phil, is a right-handed pitcher who recently signed with Tampa Bay. Phil Maton has pitched for San Diego, Cleveland and Houston. Their younger brother, Jacob, is a right-handed pitcher in the Texas organization.