What’s happening? –The Orioles will have their fourth different Opening Day shortstop in as many years. Freddy Galvis, who played for the Cincinnati Reds last year, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract last month, to play shortstop this season. Galvis and second baseman Yolmer Sánchez are the Orioles’ new double-play combination. “So...
Chris Davis must get used to a new role on the Orioles. He must prove that he deserves to play. Over the winter, manager Brandon Hyde and executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias indicated that would be the case, and nearing his 35th birthday, Davis said he understands and welcomes the challenge....
What’s happening? –Thomas Eshelman will start the Grapefruit League opener for the Orioles against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. Manager Brandon Hyde said that Matt Harvey and Félix Hernández will pitch next week. They’ll throw batting practice in the next few days. “They’re on track...
Contemporary baseball prizes the home run and the 98 mph fastball. It places a lower priority on bunting, stolen bases and pitchers who don’t throw in the high 90s. Although the Orioles are heavy on analytics, there’s still room for players who can play small ball and pitchers who change speeds. Outfielder...
What’s happening? – Ryan Mountcastle made a strong impression in his first major league season, batting .333 with an .878 OPS in 35 games. Mountcastle hit five home runs, had 23 RBIs and played well in left field. Manager Brandon Hyde said Mountcastle will play mostly in left during spring training, and...
The Orioles’ newest acquisition, Jahmai Jones, plays multiple positions, which is fitting because as a youngster, he played multiple sports. Jones, one...
What’s happening? – Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that infielder Richie Martin, who underwent surgery to remove a hamate bone in his left hand in late January, is improving. “Doing well,” Hyde said. “He’s at our Twin Lakes facility rehabbing that hand. Sounds like he’s going to be starting his hitting progression...
The Orioles’ outfielders have gotten familiar with each other. Anthony Santander, Austin Hays, Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins and DJ Stewart have played together on minor league teams and they’re in major league camp with the Orioles for the third consecutive season. Two others, Yusniel Diaz and Ryan McKenna, have yet to play...
What’s happening? –The Orioles’ first of 28 Grapefruit League games is Sunday at Ed Smith Stadium against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This spring’s schedule has been reduced, and the first game is a day later than originally scheduled. In the schedule released last September, the Orioles were slated for 32 games. Three split-squad...
Three weeks before position players had their first workout on Monday, Trey Mancini reported to the Orioles’ camp in Sarasota, Florida. He wanted to get a head start after last March’s surgery for colon cancer and five months of chemotherapy. On Monday, he participated in the team’s first full-squad workout. “I feel...