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Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Game Stories: Tyler Wilson continues to trend upward in otherwise sloppy 11-9 loss to Red Sox The Sun 3/27 Orioles duo leads top prospect performers MLB.com 3/27 Wrapping up an 11-9 loss MASNsports.com 3/27
Columns: Chris Davis hoping to move on from year one of megadeal with Orioles The Sun 3/28 Kevin Gausman bringing back slider this spring to build on breakout season The Sun 3/28 Orioles grant Michael Bourn's request for release; Chris Johnson also released The Sun 3/27 Buck Showalter on Trey Mancini's roster chances: Complicated, but 'Trey has done his part' The Sun 3/27 Kevin Gausman named Orioles' Opening Day starter The Sun 3/27 Orioles lineup vs. Braves MASNsports.com 3/28 More roster talk as Orioles near end of camp MASNsports.com 3/28 Orioles release Bourn and Johnson MASNsports.com 3/27 For his latest trick, Cedric Mullins homered off Craig Kimbrel MASNsports.com 3/27 Orioles' Fifth Starter Quandary Becomes A Little Clearer PressBoxOnline.com 3/27 Kevin Gausman Hopes His Opening Day Start Is 'First Of Many' PressBoxOnline.com 3/27 Jayson Aquino Makes His Plea For The Fifth Starter's Job PressBoxOnline.com 3/27 Chris Tillman Throws For First Time Since Cortisone Shot PressBoxOnline.com 3/26 Orioles Fifth Starter Competition May Get Clearer PressBoxOnline.com 3/25 Orioles Announce Kevin Gausman As Opening Day Starter CBS Baltimore 3/27 Orioles Auctioning Orange Spring Training Jerseys For Charity CBS Baltimore 3/27 Spring Training Primer: Rotation, bench shaking out; Verrett stumbles; Wilson making case BaltimoreBaseball.com 3/27 Tap-In Question: What are your expectations for Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy in 2017? BaltimoreBaseball.com 3/27 Spring Training Primer: Fifth-starter redux; Buck on Frohwirth’s passing; Crichton thriving BaltimoreBaseball.com 3/27 Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman named Opening Day starter vs. Blue Jays AP 3/27
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-tyler-wilson-continues-to-trend-upward-in- otherwise-sloppy-11-9-loss-to-red-sox-20170327-story.html
Tyler Wilson continues to trend upward in otherwise sloppy 11-9 loss to Red Sox
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun March 27, 2017
One of the Orioles’ ugliest Grapefruit League games of the season might have overshadowed right-hander Tyler Wilson’s continuing late spring-training surge for an Opening Day roster spot.
The Orioles allowed nine runs in the fifth inning in a 11-9 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday. The game, in which the Red Sox committed three early errors, resembled the opening games of spring more than the final week of Grapefruit League play.
Still, Wilson logged his third straight solid outing, allowing just one run over four quick innings for his longest appearance this spring. The lone run against him came on center fielder Steve Selsky’s home run in the third.
"He’s come on," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of Wilson. "Really, the last three or four outings, he’s been solid. He presented himself well again today. … [They had] a pretty good lineup today."
Wilson, initially among five candidates competing for the rotation spot opened by Chris Tillman's injury, now seems to be a front-runner for a long-relief spot come Opening Day.
“I can’t keep up with where they see me and what they want me to do, and I mean that in a good way,” Wilson said. “I don’t mean any disrespect by that. It’s just out of my hands. I started spring starting and then threw some in relief, but that’s the way the last couple of seasons have gone, as well. So I’m, in a sense, grateful for that experience to start a few games and then come in in relief. I understand that’s going to be my role for the team, very undefined, and I’m OK with that.”
Over his last three outings, Wilson has allowed just two runs over nine innings, posting a 2.00 ERA. He lowered his Grapefruit League ERA from 8.38 to 5.30.
“I think that the last couple outings, I’ve just kind of found my rhythm a little bit more, found my timing and delivery and just executed pitches more consistently, and that’s really the name of the game, right?” Wilson said. “It took me a little bit longer this year to find that timing and find the tempo with every pitch. … The last couple outings, I’ve felt good. I’ve felt strong. I felt like I commanded the ball pretty well and I gave the guys a change to play behind me.”
Right-hander Logan Verrett, who is also competing for a long-relief bullpen spot, was the biggest victim of Boston's nine-run fifth as he allowed five of his seven batters reach base, including a leadoff home run by Sandy Leon to open the inning.
Mitch Moreland’s two-run single-chased Verrett from the game, and he was charged with two more runs after minor leaguer Brian Moran yielded a grand slam to Leon later in the inning.
“He elevated some balls," Showalter said of Verrett. "Command was a challenge for him. A couple different conditions. When the game started the wind was blowing in and then it changed and fly balls were flying out of there. The grand slam was a pop-up to straightaway left field."
The Red Sox sent 13 batters to the plate against three Orioles pitchers in the top of the fifth.
While Wilson is surging, Verrett’s spring is trending downward. He has allowed nine earned runs over his last five Grapefruit League outings spanning 8 1/3 innings. His spring ERA is 7.30.
"... We’re looking for people we can trust, that you know what you’re going to get from on a given day," Showalter said.
Designated hitter Mark Trumbo had his best game of the spring with three hits, including two doubles. It was Trumbo’s first multi-hit Grapefruit League game.
Mancini continues to mash: The Orioles’ experiment trying Trey Mancini in right field is still a work in progress, but there’s no question Mancini has shown his potential with the bat this spring.
Mancini drove in two runs in a three-hit game that included a pair of doubles Monday. His two- run double capped a four-run fourth inning, and he added a ground-rule double over the center- field fence in the sixth inning.
Both doubles came off former Orioles farmhand Eduardo Rodriguez, who allowed six runs – four earned – over six innings.
Mancini leads the Orioles with 10 extra-base hits (seven doubles and three homers) and is hitting .357 this spring.
Mullins crashing the party: Despite not being on the big league camp roster, outfielder Cedric Mullins played in his 14th Grapefruit League game and hit his first home run in a big league game with a two-run shot off Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel in the eighth inning.
Mullins, who played last season at low-A Delmarva, has held his own against major league pitching. He also tripled against the Red Sox last month in Fort Myers and hit a home run in a B game against the Pirates this spring. http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/221154762/trey-mancini-cedric-mullins-lead-performers/
Orioles duo leads top prospect performers
By William Boor / MLB.com March 27, 2017
Orioles prospects Trey Mancini and Cedric Mullins combined to go 4-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored in Baltimore's 11-9 loss to the Red Sox on Monday.
Mancini, the Orioles' No. 5 prospect, scored two runs and drove in two more, while Mullins, who replaced Mancini in the eighth inning, drove in two runs as well.
Mancini bumped his Spring Training average up to .357 with a perfect 3-for-3 afternoon, including a pair of doubles.
Mullins, Baltimore's No. 19 prospect, only stepped up to the plate once, but he seized the opportunity and hit a two-run homer off of Craig Kimbrel, his first of the year.
More notable performances from top prospects Monday:
• Dansby Swanson (Braves' No. 1, No. 4 overall) had a perfect day at the plate, reaching base in all four plate appearances. After going six games (13 at-bats) without a hit, Swanson broke out of his slump in a big way, going 3-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored
• Matt Chapman (Athletics' No. 4, No. 100 overall) extended his modest hit streak to three games and went deep for the second time during that span with a solo blast against the Royals. Chapman went 1-for-3 and now has three Spring Training homers.
• T.J. Rivera (Mets' No. 30) has three hits in his past four at-bats after going 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs against the Marlins. Rivera has two home runs and nine RBIs in the Grapefruit League, although he only has 33 at-bats, as he was away from the Mets for a bit while participating in the World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico.
• Koda Glover (Nationals' No. 7) continues to make a bid for the club's closer role. Glover has held opponents scoreless in eight of 10 appearances during Spring Training, including Monday's outing against the Mets. Glover bounced back from a rough outing (three earned runs in 1 2/3 innings) in his last appearance to retire all four batters he faced, striking out one in 1 1/3 frames.
• Harrison Musgrave (Rockies' No. 27) put together another strong outing, continuing what has been a very good Spring Training for the lefty. Musgrave has held opponents to one or fewer runs in six of seven appearances, including Monday when he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless frames, striking out four and giving up four hits.
• Allen Cordoba, the Padres' No. 27 prospect, bounced back from an 0-for-5 day on Sunday with his first extra-base hit on Monday. Cordoba, a 21-year-old shortstop whom the Padres grabbed from the Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft, went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. He also drew a walk.
• Sebastian Elizalde (Reds' No. 30) has recently bumped his Spring Training batting average from .118 up to .296. The 25-year-old outfielder caught fire at the plate recently, going 6-for-9 over the past four games, including a 2-for-4 day on Monday. Elizalde's efforts didn't help much as the Giants topped the Reds 14-2, but the prospect had a good day with a double and a run scored. http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/03/wrapping-up-an-11-9-loss.html
Wrapping up an 11-9 loss
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com March 27, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are down to 40 players in camp after reassigning catcher Chance Sisco. However, they may hold at that total today rather than make additional moves.
Manager Buck Showalter said following today’s 11-9 loss to the Red Sox - which came after Johnny Giavotella’s leadoff home run in the ninth and catcher Dan Butler’s throw to first base with two outs that picked off Robert Andino - that he’s “trying” to pare down the roster, but there are multiple road blocks.
“It’s been a challenge,” he said. “I would have done them all today. Just got to have some things cooperate so we can get it done. I’ve been ready for a couple of days.
“There are some contractual things and some dates and outs and a lot of different things you’ve got to think about that kind of get in the way of that. Sometimes, it gets kind of methodical. Because of the way the game’s constructed nowadays, you’ve got to take into consideration a lot of things.”
Trey Mancini is a strong consideration to go north with the team. He doubled twice, singled and drove in two runs today to raise his average to .357, but executive vice president Dan Duquette might not be done bringing in outsiders, which could have a direct impact on Mancini.
“Trey’s presented himself very well this spring, just like we thought he would, a guy with his talents,” Showalter said. “He’s made himself a worthy consideration. We’ll see what the next few days bring. There’s some things in the hopper that can help or hinder that.
“This time of the year people are kind of having to show their hand, so to speak. There’s three or four guys who came across the waiver (wire) yesterday. There’s a lot of moving parts there. You’ve got to stay on top of it.
“There’s going to be someone who’s available this time of year who you’re going to be really glad you got or wish you had. Dan has got a lot of things going on. We’ve got to satisfy the Rule 5, what we’re going to do there. I think we kind of know where (Anthony) Santander is headed. But Trey’s done his part.”
Here’s more from Showalter:
On Tyler Wilson: “He’s come on. Last, really, three or four outings he’s been solid. Presented himself well again today. All the things we talk about with Tyler, he showed you those things. Pretty good lineup today.”
On Wilson winning tiebreakers: “Basically, he brings a lot of the things that you can’t quantify.
We’re looking for people we can trust, that you know what you’re going to get on a given day. And it may not always work out statistically, but their powder’s always dry.”
On Logan Verrett, who was charged with five runs in two-thirds of an inning: “Just elevated some balls. Just command was a challenge for him.” Darren O’Day pitched today at minor league camp. More players will head over there on Tuesday.
The Orioles travel to Lake Buena Vista on Tuesday to play the Braves. Don’t search for regulars. Left-hander Wade Miley might be it.
The following game against the Rays at Port Charlotte will include more of the starters. Showalter wants them to play on back-to-back days, including Thursday against the Tigers in Sarasota, because weather is threatening Friday’s exhibition at Triple-A Norfolk.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-special-section-chris-davis-20170321- story.html
Chris Davis hoping to move on from year one of megadeal with Orioles
By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun March 28, 2017
For all but a handful of games in 2016, Chris Davis took his spot in the heart of the Orioles lineup with a mangled hand and a mind to match it.
The dislocated left thumb Davis suffered in the first month of last season not only limited him physically, but also strained him mentally. He has been through such seasons before, but for both himself and the Orioles to be assured that last year — the first of a club-record seven-year contract — was an anomaly, Davis will have to prove that both the hand injury and the head that suppressed it for six months are corrected.
"Honestly, the most frustrating thing about last year was just not being able to really take control of the situation late in the season when I wanted to," Davis said. "Once it got to the point where I was basically swinging with one hand, there were a number of times where I can remember when I thought, 'Man, I could really pick us up right here.' And it wasn't there. Trying to keep that under control and not just lose it was exhausting."
There was plenty to be frustrated about. Davis' major league career has been volatile, to say the least, but he spent the 2015 season showing he was more the 2013 home run champion than the man who had a disappointing, suspension-shortened 2014. The team rewarded him with a $161 million contract, but he said the injury he suffered during the third week of the 2016 season lingered all year.
The resulting performance was forgettable by his standards — 38 home runs but a .221 batting average with career highs in both strikeouts (219) and walks (88). The ice wrap around his left hand was ubiquitous, but the only real prescription was rest. And he couldn't even say how long he would have needed on the shelf. Davis wouldn't let it be discussed.
"I was pretty stubborn about it," Davis said. A trip to the disabled list would have made it a story, with constant queries about his recovery and progress, and every bad game bringing up the question of whether he was healthy.
"To me, my defense, the ability to get on base, the ability to run the bases well and do certain things, to me that was more important and there were things I felt like I could still do well despite the injury," he said.
But the man who beat Davis for the Gold Glove at first base last year, Mitch Moreland of the Texas Rangers, did all those things and was given a one-year, $5.5 million contract in free agency. Davis earned the richest deal in Orioles history to be much more than that. His 2016 can be deemed a personal sacrifice to that end, with his role as the franchise's foundation making him duty-bound to his teammates. He shielded the injury not only from the public, but from them as well.
"I didn't want them questioning my ability to do certain things because of the injury," he said. "I just didn't want them to know that it was affecting me. That was a challenge, and like I said, it was exhausting."
He's refreshed now. Davis knew his hand had healed early in spring, when live pitching entered the frame and the swelling didn't come back every time there was a bat in his hands. He proudly said he was blown up on the hands a few times and it wasn't anything abnormal.
But how it affected him last year, and how this season will be different, remain to be seen. The irritating takes at the plate that contributed to so many of those strikeouts wasn't hand-related, he said — just a refined approach he hopes will keep him from making bad swings and bad contact. Hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh saw something different.
"You find yourself not swinging at certain pitches or in certain situations because you don't have the confidence that you can get to it," Coolbaugh said. "You might feel like you might get jammed or something happens, it's going to make that thumb feel worse. I think it's like any other nagging injury. It plays on your mind."
Going Forward
Davis, to an even greater extent than other hitters, has to deal with those mental obstacles as it is. The streaky nature of his swing means the periods of destruction, when longtime teammate Darren O'Day said he becomes "the best hitter on the planet," are mixed in among barren stretches.
"Chris, he'll tell you himself, when he's feeling his best, there's no one who can get him out," O'Day said. "Chris, he'll do that a few times a year where he'll hit seven home runs in a week and he'll ride that momentum [for] a while, then there will be a tough one, a tough stretch. And where he's gotten better throughout his career is those tough stretches are shorter now."
Shortening those stretches is always the key for Davis, and one way he has found he can do that is not to tinker as much. So when Davis is trying to break out of a slump, instead of talking himself into the next at-bat being the one where he's going to turn it around no matter what and getting himself out, he stays with his plan.
At times, that creates a stalemate that doesn't favor Davis. He said he believes any right-hander facing an Orioles lineup full of right-handed batters isn't going to even give him a pitch to hit.
According to FanGraphs, he saw 34.3 percent fastballs last year, the second-lowest proportion of his career. And though Davis destroys fastballs, he's susceptible to pitches with spin — especially down in the zone — and teams attack that weakness with abandon now.
When he was at his best, scouts said, he hit the ball to all fields and went with the pitch more, giving teams fewer ways to get him out. The unwavering patience that Davis now exercises takes some of that away. He gets pull-conscious, and the rest of his plate coverage suffers. Yet he believes the difference between the version of himself that hits .220 and the version that posts a batting average 50 points higher is all about contact quality, and that comes down to the pitches he does and doesn't swing at.
"I think a lot of it is just better contact, and when I say that I mean not chasing those pitches, not going after those pitches where I don't feel like I'm giving myself a chance to succeed," Davis said. "Maybe I swing at something outside the strike zone and make weak contact and roll over it or hit a lazy fly ball. … I think the difference between those two hitters is the guy who's hitting .270, .280 is driving the ball."
A return to that could be as simple as a healthy hand. After all, the only comparable season since he vaulted into stardom with the Orioles was 2014, when an oblique injury early that year was later blamed for his .196 batting average and 26 home runs. A year later, as in 2013 — the season before his first down year — he led the league in home runs.
On a contending team with sluggers all around him in the lineup, Davis' will find his production under the microscope in 2017. Another trip to the playoffs won't hinge on it — the Orioles qualified despite down years from Davis in 2014 and 2016 — but the team's long-term commitment to Davis means they have tens of millions of dollars riding on his hand being all that held him back a season ago.
Coolbaugh saw early in spring that Davis' health was a burden shed once his thumb was no longer a problem.
"I think Chris is looking forward to — not so much a redemption — but I think it's getting that past him a little bit," Coolbaugh said. "Does that mean he's going to be hitting .290 and striking out only 110 times? Chris is going to be Chris, but I think you're going to be more comfortable coming out of the gate knowing he's healthy." http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-kevin-gausman-bringing-back-slider-this- spring-to-build-on-breakout-season-20170327-story.html
Kevin Gausman bringing back slider this spring to build on breakout season
By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun March 28, 2017
When Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman switched to a curveball as his primary offspeed pitch in 2015, it was seen as the next step in his ascent to be the frontline starting pitcher.
It turns out that when he finally made that leap late in 2016, an unintentional return to his slider as his breaking ball helped propel his ace turn. When Gausman takes the mound on Opening Day, he’ll have both pitches in his repertoire.
“Just kind of towards the end of the season, my curveball kind of turned more into a slider, and so I started making it a little shorter and making it bigger when I wanted to sometimes,” Gausman said. “So this offseason, I started messing with throwing a slider and getting back to the way I threw it in college and being really aggressive with it. So I’ve been working on that, and I think the curveball is going to be a good pitch.”
Indeed, in the final month of the season, Gausman’s PitchFX data at BrooksBaseball.com indicates he was using a different breaking ball. It started out the year averaging a shade less than 82 mph, got softer in the middle of the year, and got harder later in the year. While still categorized as a curveball, the pitch averaged four inches less vertical break by his final start in October than it did at the beginning of August. So the difference was there, even if not to the naked eye.
This spring, Gausman said he only started throwing the deeper curveball in his minor league outing Friday at Twin Lakes Park, but the breaking ball he threw all spring was the slider he had essentially shelved.
“I’m going back to the grip I threw in college,” Gausman said. “Now, I’m throwing a slider and a curveball. Really, yesterday was the first day throwing my curveball in a game, so it was good — pretty inconsistent — but my slider has been really good this spring. I think that’ll be a big pitch for me this season, for sure.”
Especially in 2015, when Gausman began to primarily feature the curveball, the thinking was that the plane on his four-seam fastball meant a breaking ball that started out higher and had a deeper break would come in at the same sight line and fool hitters. Chris Tillman uses that type of approach, too.
But the pitch eventually morphed into something of a hybrid, more resembling a curveball than a slider, one he could make larger or tighter depending on the situations.
Now, with the success that came down the stretch last year throwing his slider, Gausman believes he’ll be even better equipped for the 2017 season, which begins Monday in the most cherished assignment a pitcher can get.
“One thing I always liked in college about having two pitches, two breaking pitches, was if one day my curveball is not working, usually the other one is,” Gausman said. “You have more options, especially being a starter. That’s always good.” http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-grant-michael-bourn-s-request-for- release-chris-johnson-also-released-20170327-story.html
Orioles grant Michael Bourn's request for release; Chris Johnson also released
By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun March 27, 2017
Outfielder Michael Bourn, who was in camp with the Orioles for less than a week before breaking his finger and spending the spring on the sideline, requested and was granted his release Monday.
Bourn, who had an opt-out in his contract, said Saturday that he needed to spend two more weeks in a splint that immobilizes his finger, meaning a late-April return was probably the most optimistic outlook.
However, without a clear path to the roster, Bourn opted to leave the club.
On Saturday he said he was "looking forward to trying to open the season with the team," but wasn't sure if he'd exercise his contractual right to leave in the face of what is already a crowded outfield.
He had a $2 million base salary if he made the club on Opening Day, and if the Orioles added him to the roster and put him on the disabled list, they would have been on the hook for that money.
Bourn came to the Orioles at the waiver trade deadline Aug. 31 and hit .283 with two home runs and two steals. He started in right field in the Wild Card playoff game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Infielder Chris Johnson, whose father Ron is the manager at the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, was also released Monday, the team announced.
Johnson's 67 at-bats were the most of anyone in Orioles camp, and he hit .269/310/.493 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 24 games.
The Orioles now have 38 players, including six non-roster invitees, on their camp roster with just three days of Grapefruit League action remaining.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-buck-showalter-on-trey-mancini-s-roster- chances-complicated-but-trey-has-done-his-part-20170327-story.html
Buck Showalter on Trey Mancini's roster chances: Complicated, but 'Trey has done his part'
By Jon Meoli / The Baltimore Sun March 27, 2017
After watching first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini swat a pair of doubles on a three-hit day, drive in two runs and play a capable right field against the Boston Red Sox on Monday, manager Buck Showalter provided a glimpse at just how complicated roster construction can be in the final week before the season.
On his own merits, Mancini, one of the top prospects in the Orioles' system, would be a lock to make the team. He has a .357/.410/.643 batting line with three home runs, seven doubles, and 13 RBIs in 56 at-bats this spring. He has put together some of the club’s most competitive plate appearances all month long, and fills a need as a right-handed bat who can hit lefties.
Yet whether he stays in Norfolk after Friday’s exhibition or comes to Baltimore is still unsettled.
“He’s made himself a worthy consideration, so we’ll see what the next few days bring,” Showalter said. “There’s some things in the hopper that can help or hinder that.
“This time of year, there’s guys where people are having to kind of show their hand, so to speak. There’s three or four guys who came across the waiver yesterday. There’s a lot of moving parts there. We’ve got to stay on top of it, because there’s going to be somebody that’s available this time of year you’re going to be really glad you got — or wish you had. [Executive vice president Dan Duquette] has got a lot of things going on — we’ve got to satisfy the Rule 5. We kind of know where [Anthony] Santander is headed. But Trey has done his part.”
In a pure baseball sense, Mancini’s exclusion would be harsh. He has followed up his September success from last year by showing the same plan at the plate and learning a new position — right field.
He has minor league options and would likely be up at one point or another, but the team needs a spot for him.
On the Rule 5 front, starting Santander on the disabled list as he works his arm back to full health following offseason shoulder surgery and recent elbow inflammation delays a decision on him. But if the Orioles don’t want to risk losing outfielder Aneury Tavarez on waivers or can’t reach a deal with the Red Sox to keep him in the organization without Rule 5 restrictions, they could hide him on the bench for at least the start of the season.
If the Orioles believe he can capably play right field at the major league level, they could keep him and not purchase the contract of non-roster outfielder Craig Gentry. Gentry, however, is hitting .320 and has five steals, bringing a component of speed and defense to the outfield that the team has sought all offseason. Joey Rickard has an option, but his strong spring (.300/462/500 with five steals) doesn’t warrant demotion either.
What’s most revealing about Showalter’s explanation was the waiver and outside free agent aspect. With Chris Tillman on the shelf for at least April, and maybe longer, every starting pitcher that comes across the wire could reasonably end up in Baltimore. Same goes for any non- roster pitcher in 29 other camps who pitched well in March but doesn’t have a spot come April.
Mancini may not find out his fate until all of that business is settled, but he has done plenty to state his case until then.
“Trey has presented himself well this spring, just like we thought he would, a guy with his talents,” Showalter said. http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-kevin-gausman-named-orioles-opening- day-starter-20170327-story.html
Kevin Gausman named Orioles' Opening Day starter
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun March 27, 2017
Maybe not officially, but right-hander Kevin Gausman had always been the leading candidate to be the Orioles’ Opening Day starter ever since it became clear that lingering shoulder soreness would force right-hander Chris Tillman to open the season on the disabled list early in spring training.
Even Gausman had begun looking at a calendar to see if he was in line to start the Orioles’ season opener on April 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards. So when manager Buck Showalter summoned Gausman to his office on Saturday to make the assignment official, Gausman revealed he had been piecing it together in recent days.
“I was like, ‘I’m not that bad at math. I can figure that out,’" Gausman deadpanned.
“But you never know,” he said. “You can never try to figure out what happens before it happens. I didn’t want to get myself too amped up about it and be disappointed. I think it’s pretty special. There’s not many people who can say they’ve started Opening Day, so I’m very happy.”
With the assignment, Gausman takes another step on the ladder to his building resume of successes as the emerging ace the Orioles believe he can become. Gausman’s strong second half made him the unquestioned leader to take the ball on Opening Day, and the workmanlike way he went about his preparation for this season in spring training – this is Gausman’s fifth big league camp – emphasized to Showalter that he was ready.
“I’ve had some guys to pick from, I just thought Kevin was best equipped in a lot of different areas,” Showalter said. “Your No. 1 starter is the guy who is pitching that night. … They’re all ready. No. 1, productionwise, we think Kevin is a guy who can help us put our best foot forward. … He’s primed to be as good as he’s capable of being this year and we want to take advantage of that.”
Showalter also announced that right-hander Dylan Bundy, who will be in the Opening Day starting rotation for the first time after starting last year as a reliever, will start the team’s second game on Wednesday against Toronto.
That the Orioles will start Gausman and Bundy – their top two prized young arms -- in the season’s first two games is not only an indicator that they’ve graduated beyond the careful restrictions placed on them earlier in their careers, but also offers a closer glimpse of the front line of the Orioles’ starting rotation of the future.
“They’ve got him pitching the second day, really his second year in the big leagues and he’s starting the second game of the season,” Gausman said of Bundy. "That’s pretty cool, and we talked about it a little bit. We’re both pretty pumped.”
Showalter will wait until after left-hander Wade Miley’s final spring start on Tuesday against the Braves to ensure he’s physically ready before deciding whether he or right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez will start the team’s third game. He could play matchups with three off days in the first eight days of the season as well as the new 10-day disabled list that would allow him to bring a starter back on April 9. The Orioles also don’t need a fifth starter until April 15, which would allow them to keep an extra position player for that time.
After spending most of his previous four years being developed meticulously – Gausman shuttled between the majors and minors and initially built up his innings in the bullpen – Gausman received his first opportunity last year to be a major league starter for an entire season with no restrictions.
Monday marks the 25th home opener at Camden Yards. The Orioles have gone 18-7 in their home openers at the stadium, and won seven straight from 2001 to 2007. (Jennifer Badie) Despite not making his first start until three weeks into the season – he opened the year on the disabled list with shoulder bursitis – Gausman still posted 30 starts and 179 2/3 innings, both team and individual career highs, while also leading all Orioles starters with a 3.61 ERA, a 3.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 4.2 wins above replacement (WAR).
“He’s got a feel for when to charge and when not to charge, when to slow guys down, when not to slow guys down,” Showalter said. “He’s more of a complete pitcher than a guy who was [just] 97-98 [mph]. You see him go get it when he needs it. He, not paces himself, but looks at a start as hopefully a long one and he uses his bullets appropriately.
“He’s got a good feel for the big leagues, as opposed to when he came in. He could be overpowering sometimes, but up here guys turn around your best fastball,” Showalter said. “I think he’s learned a lot about how to pitch when he’s not carrying his best stuff. He’s a trustworthy guy now.”
Gausman won just one of his first seven decisions despite posting a respectable 4.05 ERA in his first 16 starts, but he was unquestionably the Orioles’ top starter in the season’s final two months, posting eight quality starts in his last 12 appearances and a 2.83 ERA while averaging 6 1/3 innings a start.
“The biggest thing I did in the second half was getting deep into games,” Gausman said. “As a starter, that’s really all you can try to do. I felt like I was more consistent like that in the second half and just kind of feel like I hit the ground running this year. I felt good in the spring. I’ve been throwing the ball well, throwing a lot of strikes. I’m happy with where I’m at right now.”
Gausman said that earning the trust of his manager to start the team’s first game is something he doesn’t take for granted.
“I think that’s the biggest thing you want,” Gausman said. “You want your manager to have trust in you and really you want everybody on the field to have trust in you. I think that’s one thing you notice when Tilly pitches, the team behind him feels very confident and trusts that he’s going to pitch a great game every fifth day, so that’s obviously huge praise coming from him. I’m just looking to continue to grow and be more consistent.”
Gausman has pitched to a 1.80 ERA in three Grapefruit League starts, including five shutout innings against the Detroit Tigers on March 19 at Ed Smith Stadium. Focusing on getting his pitch count up, Gausman struggled in his last outing, three of his five innings ending because of pitch count in a minor league game against the Twins’ Triple-A team.
Showalter said he’s seen Gausman carry over his success into a strong spring training this year.
“That’s what you look for, guys like him, guys like Dylan, guys like Donnie Hart, guys who kind of came on the scene, Mychal Givens,” Showalter said. “Are they continuing to grow? Are they taking the experiences they’ve had and using them. There’s a certain calmness and tempo to their workouts, to everything. You can tell they’re moving to the finish line. You can tell most importantly they know what’s ahead of them. They’re not going to be surprised by something.”
Tillman – who likely won’t return until May at the earliest – had started three straight Opening Day games for the Orioles and was closing in on Hall of Famer Jim Palmer’s club record for consecutive Opening Day starts with four. Gausman deferred to Tillman on Monday, saying he knows Tillman would start the opener had he been healthy.
“That’s one thing about it,” Gausman said. “If Chris is healthy right now, it’s his game to start.”
Still, that won’t take away from Gausman embracing the moment of starting Opening Day at Camden Yards in front of a sold-out crowd, officially starting another season with his first pitch.
“I think I’ll be pretty amped up,” he said. "It will probably be the hardest I’ve thrown since last year. I’ll tell you that. That’s one of those things that you kind of have to feed off it. It’s Opening Day … and sometimes in the regular season you have to calm yourself down, but on Opening Day, throw all your cards on the table and here we go.
“I know it’s going to be awesome,” he added. “I love pitching in Baltimore. I’m happy that it’s at home. Hopefully, [it is] the first of many [Opening Day starts], but it’s pretty exciting and I’m definitely looking forward to it.” http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/03/orioles-lineup-vs-braves-6.html
Orioles lineup vs. Braves
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com March 28, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are sending left-handed hitters Hyun Soo Kim, Pedro Álvarez and Ryan Flaherty to Lake Buena Vista for this afternoon’s game against the Braves, who are listing southpaw Jaime Garcia as their starter.
Alvarez is the designated hitter, with Craig Gentry in right field.
Joey Rickard is leading off and playing center field and Trey Mancini is at first base.
Caleb Joseph is catching left-hander Wade Miley, who must show that he’s fully recovered from the flu and ready to break camp with the team.
For the Orioles
Joey Rickard CF Craig Gentry RF Pedro Alvarez DH Trey Mancini 1B Johnny Giavotella 2B Hyun Soo Kim LF Caleb Joseph C Ryan Flaherty 3B Paul Janish SS
Wade Miley LHP http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/03/more-roster-talk-as-orioles-near-end-of- camp.html
More roster talk as Orioles near end of camp
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com March 28, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. - Six more days until the Orioles begin their 2017 season against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.
Not that anyone is counting here.
Asked yesterday what it’s like for the players in the final days of camp, Orioles manager Buck Showalter replied, “I know what it’s like for coaches and managers.”
It’s making the final roster cuts and trying not to expand the injury list. The paranoia is understandable.
“You just want everybody to get out of here healthy,” Showalter said. “I can give you 20 times that the last day or so something happens. But what do you do, not play the games?” They’re played in the Grapefruit League and at the minor league camp. They’re manipulated to enhance the process of getting players ready. There’s just more of them than necessary.
“There are some things we need to finish off where Seth (Smith) is concerned,” Showalter said.
“I hit J.J. (Hardy) higher up in the order so he could get his at-bats earlier and not have to stay out there. It’s getting warm.
“Our guys are ready. We could have broke camp, with a few exceptions, a day or two ago. Maybe a week ago. It’s just the pitching. Spring training’s about the pitching this time of the year.”
It’s lining up with Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy handling the first two regular season games and left-hander Wade Miley a possibility for the third if he’s fine after today’s start against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista - because calling it “Orlando” would be too easy.
Two bullpen spots are open and Showalter said there are “about” four candidates. All of them are multiple-inning types. One right-hander and one left-hander are desired.
Tyler Wilson and Logan Verrett are two right-handed candidates, with Vidal Nuño and perhaps Jayson Aquino from the left side. Showalter clearly has softened a bit on his preference to keep starting candidates in a rotation.
Wilson would seem to be ahead of Verrett if it comes down to them.
Trey Mancini had three more hits yesterday, including a two-run double, and is batting .357/.410/.643 with seven doubles, three home runs and 13 RBIs in 27 games. Aneury Tavárez is batting .292/.370/.396 with two doubles, a home run, five RBIs and seven stolen bases in 27 games.
Does the fifth bench spot come down to them?
Fans make arguments on both sides as I update the stats. Tavárez offers a lot more speed and can move around the outfield, increasing his value to the team, though he’s still somewhat raw defensively and that works against him on this team. And the Orioles have to pass him through waivers and offer him back to the Red Sox before they can option him.
For all we know, executive vice president Dan Duquette could make a waiver claim of his own or work out a trade and bring in someone else.
Mancini understandably is a work in progress in right field, but he isn’t embarrassing himself. He doesn’t seem to be lost out there.
Pedro Álvarez, meanwhile, figures to continue his outfield education at Triple-A Norfolk. He’s also getting an incomplete grade for his limited exposure.
“I have not seen enough of him,” Showalter said. “Nobody’s that smart. It will be a process before he and we feel comfortable there. It’s an option he’s working hard to make for us. Much like Mancini.”
Here are the 38 remaining players in camp:
Pitchers (17)
Jayson Aquino Brad Brach Zach Britton Dylan Bundy Oliver Drake Kevin Gausman Mychal Givens Donnie Hart Ubaldo Jiménez Wade Miley Vidal Nuño Darren O’Day Chris Tillman Logan Verrett Tyler Wilson Mike Wright Gabriel Ynoa
Catchers (2)
Welington Castillo Caleb Joseph
Infielders (9)
Robert Andino Chris Davis Ryan Flaherty Johnny Giavotella J.J. Hardy Paul Janish Manny Machado Trey Mancini (also an outfielder) Jonathan Schoop
Outfielders (10) Pedro Álvarez (also an infielder) Chris Dickerson Craig Gentry Adam Jones Hyun Soo Kim Joey Rickard Anthony Santander (we’re told he plays the outfield) Seth Smith Aneury Tavárez Mark Trumbo http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/03/orioles-release-bourn-and-johnson.html
Orioles release Bourn and Johnson
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com March 28, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles held an organizational meeting after today’s game and cemented three roster moves.
Outfielder Michael Bourn requested and was given his release, the opt-out date on his minor league deal arriving today. Infielder Chris Johnson also was released, and as previously reported, catcher Chance Sisco was reassigned to minor league camp.
The Orioles are down to 38 players in major league camp, including six non-roster invitees.
The only mild surprise involves Bourn, who’s been unable to play since breaking the ring finger on his right hand while trying to catch a football. He isn’t expected to get into a game before mid-April, but perhaps can find a better opportunity elsewhere.
Bourn agreed to a minor league deal on Feb. 20 that paid $2 million if he reached the majors and included another $3.5 million worth of incentives. The injury occurred less than a week later.
Bourn played in 24 games with the Orioles last summer after being acquired from the Diamondbacks for outfielder Jason Heinrich, who recently came back to the organization on a minor league deal.
Johnson, the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, batted .269 (18-for-67) with six doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 24 games this spring. He didn’t appear in today’s 11-9 loss to the Red Sox.
The Orioles signed Johnson on Feb. 13 and he was expected to play third base at Norfolk. Johnson signed a three-year, $23.5 million extension with the Braves in May 2014. He was traded two years later to the Indians, who are on the hook for the remaining $9 million. The Orioles would have paid the league minimum of $535,000.
Sisco will be the starting catcher at Norfolk and could be ready to make his major league debut this summer, his improved defense perhaps adjusting his timetable. http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/03/for-his-latest-trick-cedric-mullins- homered-off-craig-kimbrel.html
For his latest trick, Cedric Mullins homered off Craig Kimbrel
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com March 27, 2017
Outfielder Cedric Mullins is the little guy with a little pop in his bat. Just ask Boston closer Craig Kimbrel. This spring, Mullins has made a very big impression on Orioles manager Buck Showalter.
Even though he is officially not even a non-roster player on the major league roster, 22-year-old Mulins has been called over often from minor league camp by Showalter. The skipper has been impressed by Mullins on offense and defense.
“I like more the calmness in the outfield,” Showalter said after Sunday’s game. “For some reason, I was watching him on the line drive that (Russell) Martin hit right at him. He’s just got nice actions everywhere. ... But I like what I’ve seen about his whole game. He’s got a nice future.”
Mullins’ sac fly Sunday in the eighth inning broke a 1-1 tie as the Orioles beat Toronto 2-1 in Dunedin. Yesterday, he showed off his perhaps underestimated pop with an opposite field, two- run homer in the eighth inning off Kimbrel. Mullins got hold of a 93 mph fastball off a closer with a career 1.86 ERA and 256 saves. And he went oppo. Yeah, pretty impressive. (See the video at the bottom of this entry.)
When I was in Florida and interviewed Mullins at minor league camp at Twin Lakes Park, he talked about all the chances to be seen by the brass that he’s gotten in Orioles games.
“It’s exciting,” Mullins said. “Anytime you get called over, you just never know what situation you might get put into. Anytime you can impress the skipper, that is an exciting opportunity.”
What makes Mullins getting all these chances all the more impressive is that he has only played one year of full season minor league ball to this point and that was last year at Single-A Delmarva. where he had a very solid season.
A 13th-round draft pick out of Campbell University in 2015 (No. 403 overall), Mullins filled up the stat sheet for the Shorebirds. He hit .273/.321/.464 with 37 doubles, 10 triples, 14 homers, 79 runs, 55 RBIs and 30 steals. He sure showed a nice speed-power combo, ranking among the South Atlantic League leaders in steals, but he was also tied for second in extra-base hits and second in total bases.
Not bad for a switch-hitting center fielder that stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 175 lbs. Mullins played two seasons at Louisburg (N.C.) College before playing one year at Campbell. As a sophomore at Louisburg, he hit .417 and stole 27 of 27 bases. At Campbell, the Snellville, Ga., native hit a team-high .340 with 59 runs, 34 extra-base hits and 23 steals, and was second-team Big South Conference.
He has shown some pop for the Orioles. He has a triple and the homer off Kimbrel in going 2- for-12 in spring games. He also mashed a homer in a B game versus Pittsburgh off the batter’s eye in center field on a back field at Ed Smith Stadium. The pop is nice, but as a leadoff hitter, speed is what he can truly bring every day.
“That is probably the biggest part of my game,” Mullins said. “Playing center field, speed has to be there for that. Being a leadoff batter, you have to find ways to get on base and if a situation comes where I have to take a bag, speed is a big part of that, as well. It’s just a part of my game that definitely helps me be successful.
“I kind of grew up as a one-two (lineup) guy. At one point early in my college career, I was a three-hole hitter. At Campbell, where there were more guys basically built to hit in that spot, I went back to leadoff, but they didn’t change how my game is played. They said, ‘Hey, if you have a chance to flash a little power here and there, take it. But at the same time, you have to find ways to get on base.’ “
Ranked as the organization’s No. 26 prospect by Baseball America, and certainly now trending up, Mullins is said to be a plus defender with an arm that grades just below average. He knows the importance of glovework.
“I feel like my defensive game is strong,” he said. “I know they are continuously working on my throwing program to make sure the arm continues to build up. But it’s coming along. Of course, I still practice my reads off the bats. Guys in spring training (at big league camp) hit the ball harder and your reactions have to be that much quicker. On the farm, we know defense comes first. That is part of the reason that guys get called over there. When the defense is strong, they give you those opportunities.”
Mullins may start this season at Single-A Frederick, but even a jump to Double-A Bowie is a possibility.
Mullins said he’s been able to show composure in big league games, because “baseball is baseball, even at higher levels.” He’s taken advantage of time with the Orioles to pick the brains of older players and he’s worked closely with outfield coach Wayne Kirby.
Does he have any goals as he moves up this year on the farm?
“Not any set goals in terms of for the long season, but I want to break it down month-by-month,” he said. “There are stolen base goals I have in mind and some thoughts (batting) average-wise.
But I definitely have to build on my walks. I have to take it one at-bat at a time and one pitch at a time and hopefully build up to the goals.
“I need to just keep the same mindset. Have to know what my job is out there - I’m a table setter and I have to keep that approach. Get my walks when they are and try to be dangerous on the basepaths. Steal some bases and create opportunities to score runs.”
Showalter compared Mullins recently to another small-in-stature one-time O’s leadoff batter, Don Buford. Not bad to be compared to a player that had a 10-year major league career. And one who was the leadoff hitter for the Orioles teams from 1969 to 1971 that won a combined 318 games and played in three consecutive World Series.
When Mullins takes the field he is almost always the smallest player on the field. But for a long time that has not been a problem for him.
“Growing up my dad would always preach, ‘You might be shorter than the other guys but you have to go out there and play like you are 6-foot-4.’ Now that doesn’t mean go out of your game. It just means your heart is in it,” Mullins said. “You are putting all that you have into it every day and that is just my way of hustling out there.” https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/03/27/orioles-fifth-starter-quandary-becomes-a-little- clearer
Orioles' Fifth Starter Quandary Becomes A Little Clearer
By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com March 27, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Left-hander Chris Lee is already back at minor league camp, right-hander Mike Wright has an 8.33 ERA, and the two prime candidates for the Orioles' fifth starter job have three major league starts between them.
Not long ago, manager Buck Showalter said Lee, Wright, right-hander Tyler Wilson, who started March 27, left-hander Jayson Aquino and right-hander Gabriel Ynoa were the five contenders for the job.
Of course, the Orioles won't need that starter until April 15, and that pitcher will likely begin the season at Triple-A Norfolk.
"I think we've got a pretty good idea of where we're going," Showalter said.
On March 25, Ynoa threw five shutout innings, giving up just one hit against Minnesota, and Aquino gave up a run on three hits against Toronto March 26.
"We're going to have some people go down there who are in consideration," Showalter said. "Obviously, most of the people we're considering for that aren't going to break camp with us."
Wright has 21 career starts with a 6.32 ERA. Wilson, who allowed one run on three hits in four innings during the Orioles' 11-9 loss to the Boston Red Sox before 7,796 at Ed Smith Stadium March 27, has a 5.33 ERA in 18 starts.
"I don't think we've got anybody with enough track record to really jump out at you," Showalter said. "It could be if we had someone like that. You could kind of throw out spring training a little bit. We're not in that position."
Wilson leads the Orioles with 18.2 official innings this spring and has a 5.30 ERA. Of the candidates for the fifth-starter role, he's the one who could also challenge for one of the final bullpen spots.
"I think he's got the potential to do both," Showalter said. "The way we're situated right now, it's more as a reliever. That could change. That could change."
Wilson knows whether he makes the team or not is out of his hands, and he wants to "control the controllables," as he says.
"Whether I'm a starter or a reliever, it doesn't impact my approach," Wilson said. "It might alter my workload in between outings. Mentally, I'm just focused on what I can and trying to get better every day and really committed to being my best me in whatever role that is.
"The last couple of outings, I've just found my rhythm a little bit more, found my timing and my delivery and just executed pitches more consistently, and that's really the name of the game, right?"
After the game, Showalter again praised Wilson.
"He brings a lot of things you can't quantify," Showalter said. "We're looking for people you can trust."
Right-hander Logan Verrett relieved Wilson and was pulled after seven betters and five runs. Verrett seemed to be ahead in the skirmish for the final bullpen spot, but this outing may have changed things.
"We've got a couple of spots in the bullpen to figure out. We've got about four guys competing for that," Showalter said before the game against Boston, "a couple of decisions with position players. I think [executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette] and I are going to talk about it today."
Verrett's last two outings were impressive, four scoreless innings on two hits against Toronto and Minnesota.
If Lee, who Showalter refused to rule out as an early rotation candidate, Aquino, Wright and Ynoa all begin at Norfolk, that would provide Showalter some options.
"That rotation down in Norfolk is appealing. We've got some depth there that we haven't had," Showalter said.
PAINFUL INNING: Boston scored nine runs during the fifth inning. Thirteen batters came to the plate, and one of them, catcher Sandy Leon, hit two home runs, one a grand slam.
After Verrett was pulled, Showalter used two pitchers from minor league camp, left-hander Brian Moran, who allowed four runs, and right-hander Bobby Bundy in the fifth.
HITTERS' DAY: Each team had 14 hits. Outfielders/designated hitters Mark Trumbo and Trey Mancini had three. Outfielder Craig Gentry had two. Minor league outfielder Cedric Mullins had a two-run home run during the eighth inning, and non-roster infielder Johnny Giavotella had a solo homer in the ninth.
MOVES: Outfielder Michael Bourn exercised the opt-out clause on his contract. Bourn, who was signed to a minor league contract Feb. 20, broke his right ring finger catching a football during a workout Feb 24 and never played.
The Orioles released infielder Chris Johnson. Johnson, son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, was signed to a minor league contract Feb. 13.
The Orioles reassigned catcher Chance Sisco to minor league camp. There are now 40 players in major league camp, including eight non-roster invitees.
ON THE SIDELINES: Outfielder Anthony Santander is expected to start the season on the 10- day disabled list with elbow soreness. The Rule 5 draft choice batted .250 in 14 games as a designated hitter this spring.
"He's just started throwing a little bit," Showalter said. "It's going to be tough for him to make the start of the season."
WORKING OFF SITE: With left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez starting for Boston, left-handed hitting outfielders Pedro Alvarez, Hyun Soo Kim and Seth Smith went to Twin Lakes Park to get additional at-bats.
Showalter said he hasn't a judgement on Alvarez's outfield play, yet.
"I have not seen enough of him. Nobody is that smart," Showalter said. "It will be a process for he, and we, to feel comfortable. It's an option he's working hard to make for us."
Right-hander Darren O'Day also went to minor league camp.
COMING UP: The Orioles play the Atlanta Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., March 28. Left- hander Wade Miley throws against Braves left-hander Jaime Garcia. https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/03/27/orioles-kevin-gausman-hopes-his-opening-day- start-is-first-of-many
Kevin Gausman Hopes His Opening Day Start Is 'First Of Many'
By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com March 27, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Kevin Gausman knew Chris Tillman wasn't available to start Opening Day, and in his mind, the right-hander had figured out he might get the start.
When manager Buck Showalter asked the 26-year-old right-hander if he suspected that he'd start against the Toronto Blue Jays April 3, Gausman said that he had.
"I'm not that bad at math. I can figure that out," Gausman told his manager.
Showalter never announces his Opening Day starter until it's already obvious, but Gausman was the clear choice once Tillman's sore right shoulder ruled him out.
"I had some guys to pick from. I just thought Kevin was best equipped in a lot of different areas," Showalter said. "Kevin is the guy who can help us put our best foot forward. There are some other guys you could pick from."
Showalter has chosen Dylan Bundy to start the season's second game April 5.
Gausman has been on an Opening Day roster just once, in 2015, and he began that season as a reliever.
"Really it was kind of trying to piece it together," Gausman said. "Thought I might have a chance, obviously, with Tilly out. That's one thing. If Chris is healthy right now it's his game to start. But happy, excited. A lot of things to be thankful for in my life right now. Obviously, an exciting time for my family and obviously looking forward to it."
Gausman said he's given some thought to how he might feel.
"Not so much nervous, just anxious. I know it's going to be awesome," Gausman said. "I love pitching in Baltimore, so happy that it's at home. Hopefully the first of many, but like I said, pretty exciting and definitely looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."
Because of his sore shoulder, Tillman won't get an opportunity for his fourth straight Opening Day start, which would have equaled a franchise record.
Gausman, who was 9-12 with a 3.61 ERA last year, had a particularly strong final two months of the season when he went 7-5 with a 2.83 ERA.
In last season's final regular-season game Oct. 2, Gausman allowed two runs over 7.1 innings as the Orioles clinched a wild-card berth in a win at Yankee Stadium.
"The biggest thing I did in the second half was get deep in games, which really is all you can try to do," Gausman said. "I felt like I was more consistent like that in the second half and just kind of feel like I hit the ground running this year so far. I felt good in the spring, throwing the ball well, throwing a lot of strikes. So happy with where I'm at right now."
Gausman's best spring training start came March 19, when he limited Detroit to two hits in five scoreless innings. He also pitched three hitless innings against the Dominican Republic March 7.
Showalter has noted Gausman is much different than he was as a younger pitcher.
"He's got a feel for when to charge and when not to charge, when to slow guys down and when not to slow them down," Showalter said. "He's more of a complete pitcher instead of a guy that throws 97-98 [mph].
"You see him go get it. He's not pacing himself, but he looks at a start as hopefully a long one, and he uses his bullets appropriately. He's got a good feel for the big leagues as compared to when he came in. You can be overpowering sometimes and guys turn around your best fastball. He's learned a lot of things about how to pitch when he's not carrying his best stuff."
Gausman appreciates Showalter's warm words.
"I think that's the biggest thing you want," Gausman said. "You want your manager to have trust in you. Really, you want everybody on the field to have trust in you, and I think that's one thing you notice when Tilly pitches is the team behind him feels very confident and trusts that he's going to pitch a great game every fifth day. So, that's obviously huge praise coming from him. But just look to continue to grow and try to be more consistent."
Last year, Gausman began the year on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder and didn't make his first start until April 25. In 2015, Gausman's third season with the Orioles, he began the season as a reliever, and after a stint on the disabled list, made his first start June 20.
Showalter said he would decide on the third starter after watching lefty Wade Miley pitch against the Atlanta Braves March 28.
Toronto will start right-hander Marco Estrada in the opener and J.A. Happ in the second game. https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/03/26/jayson-aquino-makes-his-plea-for-the-fifth- starters-job
Jayson Aquino Makes His Plea For The Fifth Starter's Job
By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com March 26, 2017
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- After five excellent relief outings, the Orioles gave pitcher Jayson Aquino a prime opportunity to audition for the fifth starter's job.
Aquino, who had allowed just one run on seven hits in 11 innings, followed it with a solid four inning start March 26.
He gave up one run on three hits, walking one, hitting a batter and striking out four in the Orioles' 2-1 win against the Toronto Blue Jays before 4,706 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.
Last season, Aquino had three brief scoreless appearances, and manager Buck Showalter didn't get a chance to know the 24-year-old left-hander.
"We didn't know him. He didn't know anybody. Just not a good read. This spring, I've seen a different guy. He's got some personality to his pitching. He's added the slider and breaking ball," Showalter said.
"It's not that we missed on him…he's an interesting guy for me. A whole different look to him this spring."
After the game, Showalter said it was important he saw Aquino start a game.
"I want to see him in that role. It's a good look. You're looking for different things," Showalter said.
The Orioles won't make a decision on the fifth starter during spring training since they won't need one until April 15. The candidates will begin the season at Triple-A Norfolk.
"Our fifth starter is going down, but someone is going to have to come back up," Showalter said.
Aquino allowed a first inning run and pronounced himself happy with his outing.
"I just tried to concentrate on making my pitch and throwing my breaking ball and tried to throw it low in the zone," Aquino said through a translator.
"I feel good. More importantly, I…just concentrated on my pitches, the pitches that I have to make regardless of the lineup that I have to face."
In the offseason, Aquino worked with Ramon Martinez, the Orioles' Special Assignment Pitching Instructor in the Dominican Republic on his slider and breaking ball and it helped him get six groundball outs in four innings.
"I am a pitcher that I characterize myself for that. That's why I try to pitch low in the zone, so that I could get a lot of groundballs."
Before the game, Showalter said he was eager to see how Aquino did.
"This is a really good test for him. If he presents himself well, this could bode well for us because he's had a good spring for us. If he could top it off with a good outing today, that would be interesting. There are a lot of things to like about him," Showalter said. "I'm excited about his spring."
SCHEDULED CRICHTON: Showalter decided that right-hander Stefan Crichton, who had thrown six scoreless innings in unscheduled appearances as an import from minor league camp, needed a scheduled appearance.
"Guys come over here as backups, not knowing if they're going to pitch, just kind of along. All of a sudden the phone rings, 'Get Crichton in the game,'" Showalter said.
"If we get that look. If we get the type of outing we've been getting from him for five or six outings…he's gotten everybody's attention."
Crichton pitched a perfect sixth inning, giving him seven shutout innings this spring.
"That was the whole idea with [pitching coach Roger McDowell]. Get in there before the ninth inning and know a day in advance that he's going to pitch. It's good to see for us the same guy showed up," Showalter said.
Showalter says the 24-year-old, who pitched for Double-A Bowie last year, has some tools.
He throws 94-96 mph, and has a good breaking ball.
"His command has always been good, track record-wise," Showalter said.
Crichton, who was a 23rd round draft choice in 2013, was unprotected in last year's Rule 5 draft.
"Most people pass on those guys in the Rule 5 draft unless they're left-handed," Showalter said.
GENTRY STEALS: Outfielder Craig Gentry stole second and third in the first inning and scored the Orioles' first run on third baseman Chris Johnson's RBI single.
Gentry, trying to make the team as a non-roster outfielder, has five steals this spring. Right fielder Joey Rickard led the team with four steals all last season.
COMING UP: The Orioles host Boston March 27 at 1:05 p.m. in Sarasota, Fla. Right-hander Tyler Wilson starts for the Orioles and Eduardo Rodriguez pitches for the Red Sox. https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/03/26/chris-tillman-throws-for-first-time-since-cortisone- shot
Chris Tillman Throws For First Time Since Cortisone Shot
By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com March 26, 2017
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman threw March 26 for the first time since he had a cortisone shot on his right shoulder March 15.
The right-hander won't pitch in the season's first month, and manager Buck Showalter said he would toss again March 28.
"He'll do that again, a little more strenuous, maybe a little further, the day after tomorrow," Showalter said. "That's the schedule we had set up. Hopefully, he'll follow that the rest of the way."
Showalter said Tillman would have to progress from throwing on flat ground to a half-mound and then on to a full mound because he's taken so much time off from throwing.
Tillman will travel north with the team and may come back to Sarasota, Fla., while the Orioles are on the road.
"We really want to have [the coaches] with him during the side sessions, and also we think it would be good for him to be in the environment. He deserves to be there for Opening Day," Showalter said.
Left-hander Wade Miley, who was scratched from his March 20 start with flu-like symptoms, threw on the side, and will pitch March 28 against the Atlanta Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Outfielder Chris Dickerson (shoulder) who hasn't played since March 20 with a sore right shoulder is scheduled to play March 27.
GETTING THE GANG BACK TOGETHER: On March 25, shortstop J.J. Hardy played his first game in spring training with third baseman Manny Machado and second baseman Jonathan Schoop.
Hardy didn't play with the pair before the World Baseball Classic because of back spasms.
"It was fun. It was a little different atmosphere. It was more, I guess, what we're used to. I don't have to move them. I feel like they know where to play all the time. It was just easy. A lot less for me to worry about. It was good seeing them out there. Same old young guys having all the fun that they always do and joking around with each other. It was good," Hardy said.
Hardy, who hit his first home run of spring in the game, says he's feeling strong.
"As good as I have in a long time. The back, I haven't thought about it since I've been back on the field. Everything else is where it needs to be," Hardy said.
JONES WILL WAIT: Center fielder Adam Jones, who has not played since returning from the World Baseball Classic, will not play March 27, Showalter said.
He thinks Jones will play in the final Grapefruit League game March 30 against the Detroit Tigers and then in Norfolk, Va., March 31.
TODD FROHWIRTH DIES: Todd Frohwirth, who played with the Orioles, and was most recently a scout for the team, has died at 54.
Frohwirth, a sidearmer, was 17-13 with a 2.71 ERA and 10 saves from 1991-93.
"A special member of the Oriole family. One of our best scouts, and a great human being. He's been a big contributor here," Showalter said.
"I made a call to him about coming down…about working with Darren [O'Day] on the changeup."
AT MINOR LEAGUE CAMP: Outfielder Seth Smith went to Twin Lakes Park for extra at-bats. He was 3-for-4. Relievers Brad Brach and Zach Britton each threw an inning. Showalter wanted them to throw on consecutive days.
https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/03/25/orioles-fifth-starter-competition-may-get-clearer
Orioles Fifth Starter Competition May Get Clearer
By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com March 26, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Even though the Baltimore Orioles have removed left-handed pitcher Chris Lee from the competition for the moment, that doesn't mean he couldn't be the Orioles fifth starter, manager Buck Showalter said.
Lee, who was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, was 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in 13 spring innings.
"Chris has got a good arm. I like the way he can pitch with his fastball in the strike zone. It's going to give him the opportunity to work on secondary pitches. He's got a chance to help us -- this year," Showalter said.
The Orioles don't need a fifth starter until April 15, so it's likely that starter will be recalled from the Norfolk Tides when his turn comes up, and perhaps it will be Lee.
"He still might be," Showalter said. "Anybody we send down doesn't mean they're not our fifth starter."
Showalter and Lee spoke about his experience this spring.
“It was more about questioning him, hear what he had to say about what he’s gotten out of this, what mindset he’s going down there with and what he has to work on and improve. He knows it’s about production, too,” Showalter said.
"It's a fine line from working on something and trying to put your best foot forward every night. It's exciting to have an arm like that in our rotation in Triple-A."
Lee didn't pitch in the 2016 season after May 23 with a shoulder/lat injury.
"The big thing is to get him back out there. He feels great. He had a pretty tough injury last year that took a long time to get back from. I talked to our guys; they were real cautious with him to get him back. Physically he feels as good as he feels in a long time. He's put on some weight. I'm expecting a good year from him," Showalter said.
Lee's demotion means the Orioles have 41 players in camp, including nine non-roster players.
"We'll keep moving in that direction toward 25," Showalter said. "We'll get some real movement on Monday."
YNOA DEALS: Right-hander Gabriel Ynoa reeled off five shutout innings in the Orioles 6-3 win against the Minnesota Twins before a sellout crowd of 8,171 at Ed Smith Stadium.
Ynoa allowed a first inning double to Twins first baseman Ben Paulsen, who also walked in the fourth. He struck out three.
"It is a great start for me as well as the team," Ynoa said through a translator.
Ynoa, who had not completed three innings this spring, became the second Orioles starter to get through five. On March 19, right-hander Kevin Gausman allowed two hits in five scoreless innings.
He's in the competition for the fifth starter spot.
"Honestly, I don't have control of what the team's decision will be. I just go out there, perform, try to do the best I can and whatever decision they make it's up to them," Ynoa said.
Right-handed pitcher Brad Brach gave up a home run to Minnesota's Tommy Field in the sixth.
Left-hander Zach Britton pitched a hitless seventh, but walked two.
MANNY'S BACK: Third baseman Manny Machado was 0-for-3 in his first game since returning from the World Baseball Classic. It was also the first for catcher Welington Castillo and second baseman Jonathan Schoop. Center fielder Adam Jones did not play.
Schoop homered in the fourth. On March 24, Showalter said he wasn't going to play the second baseman.
"He wants to play. He's ready to go. They need to get some reps. Adam doesn't. We'll slow play that one," Showalter said. "I talked to them about their schedule the rest of the way. We've got a pretty good feel for where we're going with them the rest of the way."
Seth Smith, who hadn't played since March 8 due to a strained right hamstring, was 2-for-3. The left-handed hitting right fielder stroked both hits to left off a left-hander.
"It was really nice to get a lot of our guys back together tonight," Showalter said.
Smith will play in an intrasquad game March 26 at Twin Lakes Park to get him some additional at-bats.
GIVENS BACK, TOO: Along with Adam Jones, right-handed pitcher Mychal Givens is back from the World Baseball Classic. Like Jones, he played on Team USA, which won the WBC.
"Words can't really describe it. It was just an amazing experience," Givens said. "The chemistry we had with the team. It felt like…we'd been together for a long time."
Even though Givens thinks he's on schedule, Showalter wants to see him pitch several more times in the final few days of Spring Training. Givens pitched an inning at minor league camp March 24.
ODDS AND ENDS: The sellout was the Orioles' sixth of the spring. … First baseman Chris Davis hit his second home run of the spring. Both were to left field. … Right-hander Tyler Wilson will pitch March 26 against the Boston Red Sox and left-hander Wade Miley pitches March 27 against the Atlanta Braves.
COMING UP: The Orioles play the Toronto Blue Jays at Dunedin, Fla at 1:07 p.m. Left-hander Jayson Aquino faces Blue Jays starter Francisco Liriano.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/03/27/orioles-announce-kevin-gausman-as-opening-day- starter/
Orioles Announce Kevin Gausman As Opening Day Starter
CBS Baltimore March 27, 2017
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Pitcher Kevin Gausman will get his day in the (hopefully) sun when the Baltimore Orioles return to Oriole Park at Camden Yards next Monday, April 3.
Buck Showalter has officially announced Kevin Gausman will be the starting pitcher on Opening Day against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.
Gausman was 9-12 with a 3.61 ERA in 30 starts last season. He’s 2-3 with a 4.40 ERA and 1.422 WHIP in 12 career games (seven starts) against the Blue Jays over 45 innings.
Dylan Bundy will start the season’s second game on April 5.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/03/27/orioles-auctioning-orange-spring-training-jerseys-for- charity/
Orioles Auctioning Orange Spring Training Jerseys For Charity
CBS Baltimore March 27, 2017
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Orioles announced an online charity auction for the 2017 team- issued and game-worn orange Spring Training jerseys.
The auction will take place on orioles.com/auctions until Wednesday, April 5, at 10:00 p.m. ET.
The orange Spring Training jerseys feature the new 2017 design, which includes a Florida patch on the right sleeve and sublimated lettering and numbers on the back of the jerseys, featuring various Major League Baseball and Spring Training logos.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation, which raised nearly $500,000 through game-used memorabilia sales and auctions in 2016. http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/03/28/spring-training-primer-rotation-bench-shaking- verrett-stumbles-wilson-making-case/
Spring Training Primer: Rotation, bench shaking out; Verrett stumbles; Wilson making case
By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com March 27, 2017
What’s happening: Kevin Gausman was chosen, as expected, to be the Orioles’ Opening Day starter next Monday. Once Chris Tillman was ruled out with a sore right shoulder, Gausman was the obvious choice.
Manager Buck Showalter picked Dylan Bundy to start the season’s second game, April 5. “I had some guys to pick from. I just thought Kevin was best equipped in a lot of different areas,” Showalter said. “Kevin is the guy who can help us put our best foot forward. There are some other guys you could pick from.”
Lefty Wade Miley, who starts today against Atlanta, needs a lengthy performance to show the Orioles that he’s ready for the season. Miley hasn’t pitched in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 and was scratched from his March 20th start against Boston with flu-like symptoms. Showalter said that he has narrowed down the candidates for the fifth starter’s job when the club needs one April 15.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of where we’re going,” Showalter said.
Lefty Jayson Aquino and right-hander Gabriel Ynoa, who both pitched well over the weekend, seem to be in the lead.
Showalter said that major league experience isn’t necessarily a factor in the decision. Tyler Wilson, who started Monday, and Mike Wright have the most starts in the majors.
“I don’t think we’ve got anybody with enough track record to really jump out at you,” Showalter said. “It could be if we had someone like that. You could kind of throw out spring training a little bit. We’re not in that position.”
What’s happened: Wilson, who has an outside chance to be the fifth starter, could come north with the team as its long man in the bullpen.
He allowed one run on three hits in four innings Monday.
“The last couple of outings, I’ve just found my rhythm a little bit more, found my timing and my delivery, and just executed pitches more consistently, and that’s really the name of the game, right?” Wilson said.
Showalter has liked what he’s seen from Wilson, who picked up his third win without a defeat in spring games.
“He’s come on, really the last three or four outings. He’s been solid. Presented himself well again today,” Showalter said Monday. “Pretty good lineup today.” Boston sent several regulars, including Dustin Pedroia, Pablo Sandoval, Xander Bogaerts and Hanley Ramirez.
Former Orioles’ farmhand Eduardo Rodriguez allowed six runs, four earned, in six innings. Closer Craig Kimbrel allowed a two-run homer to minor league outfielder Cedric Mullins in the eighth.
Outfielder Michael Bourn, who signed a minor league contract with the Orioles on Feb. 20, but broke his right ring finger catching a football on Feb. 24 and never played, exercised the opt-out on his contract. He’s now free to sign with anyone.
So is infielder Chris Johnson, who signed a minor league contract on Feb. 13, and is the son of Norfolk manager Ron Johnson. He was released by the club Monday.
Catcher Chance Sisco was reassigned to minor league camp. The Orioles have 38 players left in spring training.
Rookie outfielder Anthony Santander, a Rule 5 draft choice, is likely to start the season on the 10-day disabled list with elbow soreness.
What’s up with: Logan Verrett. Verrett, who could be competing with Wilson and a few others for a final bullpen spot, had a rough outing, giving up five runs to seven batters in t he fifth. “Just elevated some balls. Command was a challenge for him,” Showalter said.
Before the game, Showalter tried to offer some clarity on the roster.
“We’ve got a couple of spots in the bullpen to figure out. We’ve got about four guys competing for that. A couple of decisions with position players,” he said.
What they’re saying: “Thought I might have a chance obviously with Tilly out. That’s one thing. If Chris is healthy right now it’s his game to start.” — Gausman on Showalter’s choice of him as Opening Day starter.
What’s the number? 3 — That’s how many pitchers the Orioles needed to get through Monday’s fifth inning. Thirteen Boston hitters came to the plate, nine scored.
After Verrett allowed five runs while recording two outs, minor league pitcher Brian Moran, nephew of former Orioles outfielder B.J. Surhoff, faced four batters, all of whom scored. Bobby Bundy, older brother of Dylan, allowed one hit, but recorded the final out of the interminable inning.
Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon hit two home runs in the inning, one of them a grand slam. What’s the record? 15-12-2 — The Orioles play the Atlanta Braves at Lake Buena Vista today. Miley starts against Atlanta’s Jaime Garcia. It’s the only meeting of the spring between the teams. http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/03/27/tap-question-expectations-kevin-gausman-dylan- bundy-2017/
Tap-In Question: What are your expectations for Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy in 2017?
By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com March 27, 2017
A week from today, this place will be hopping with revelers – as will Pickles Pub and about 1,000 real joints in the area.
Baltimore’s unofficial holiday, Opening Day, is just a week away. The countdown is on.
If you need a note to get out of school or work, just contact Doctor Dan as soon as possible. I don’t take insurance cards, but I do take cash.
The Opening Day buzz is palpable with Orioles manager Buck Showalter officially announcing the expected today – that right-hander Kevin Gausman will be the club’s starter next Monday afternoon against right-hander Marco Estrada and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Showalter also announced that right-hander Dylan Bundy will pitch the second game, Wednesday, April 5, against the Blue Jays. So, the Orioles’ first pick (fourth overall) of the 2011 draft will follow the Orioles’ first pick (fourth overall) of the 2012 draft to start the 2017 season.
You can all exhale now – at least for a moment.
This particular order was created by Chris Tillman’s shoulder injury, otherwise he would have started on Opening Day again.
Instead, you get a double dose of Gausman and Bundy to begin your 2017 season.
And we love double shots here.
I believe these Orioles will be slightly better than last year’s version simply because I think Gausman and Bundy will take the next step in their maturation. I think Gausman has figured it out – he just looks like he’s ready this spring and he has the second half of 2016 to back that up. And I love Bundy’s competitiveness. He might take his lumps at times, but I expect him to have a good year overall.
Here’s my totally blind, totally random numbers for the duo in 2017. Gausman: 16-8, 3.65 ERA 33 starts; Bundy: 13-10, 3.80 ERA, 30 starts. Pretty lofty numbers for young guys in the American League East. But I’m sticking with it.
Now, I want your thoughts on the potentially dynamic duo.
Tap-In Question: What are your expectations for Gausman and Bundy in 2017? http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/03/27/spring-training-primer-fifth-starter-redux-buck- frohwirths-passing-crichton-thriving/
Spring Training Primer: Fifth-starter redux; Buck on Frohwirth’s passing; Crichton thriving
By Rich Dubroff / BaltimoreBaseball.com March 27, 2017
What’s happening: The jockeying for the Orioles’ fifth starter job continues. Over the weekend, right-hander Gabriel Ynoa and left-hander Jayson Aquino made their cases.
Ynoa became the second starter to complete five innings, allowing just one hit against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night, and Aquino gave up one run on three hits in four innings when he faced the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.
One of the five candidates, left-hander Chris Lee, was sent to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.
Lee had a rough start Wednesday, and was pulled after two innings.
Manager Buck Showalter refused to remove Lee from consideration for the fifth starter’s role, though, since that spot won’t be needed immediately and, therefore, the competition’s winner won’t necessarily break with the club.
“He still might be,” Showalter said of Lee as a candidate. “(Just because) we send (them) down, doesn’t mean they’re not our fifth starter.”
After Sunday’s 2-1 win, Showalter was more emphatic.
“Our fifth starter is going down, but someone is going to have to come back up,” Showalter said. Mike Wright, who is the most experienced candidate, had a horrible second inning Friday night against the Twins, when he allowed five runs on six hits. There wasn’t a third inning for Wright. Another candidate, Tyler Wilson, starts today against Boston.
Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Welington Castillo all played Saturday night for the first time since returning from the World Baseball Classic.
Adam Jones, who also returned, didn’t play over the weekend, and isn’t scheduled to play Monday. Showalter said that he may not play until Thursday, the Orioles’ final Grapefruit League game.
Chris Tillman threw for the first time Sunday since his March 15 cortisone shot. Showalter said it went well, and he expected Tillman to throw again Tuesday.
What’s happened: Todd Frohwirth, a submarining relief pitcher with the Orioles from 1991-93 and a scout since 2003, died Sunday at age 54 after a lengthy bout with cancer.
While scouting for the organization, Frohwirth taught fellow sidearmer Darren O’Day a changeup.
“A special member of the Oriole family,” Showalter said of Frohwirth. “One of our best scouts, and a great human being. He’s been a big contributor here.” Chance Sisco caught the entire game Sunday and continues to intrigue Showalter with his defense. “We all know that Chance has a chance to hit up here, no pun intended, but the thing that’s been impressive are the strides he’s made throwing,” Showalter said.
Seth Smith, who hadn’t played since March 8 due to a right hamstring strain, returned to the lineup Saturday and the left-hander had two opposite-field hits against left-handed pitching. Previously, Smith was 1-for-11 in Grapefruit League games.
Ryan Flaherty, who last played March 13 due to a sore right shoulder, returned Friday. Outfielder Chris Dickerson (right shoulder) hasn’t played since March 20, but should play today, Showalter said.
Michael Bourn (right ring finger fracture) was re-examined, and he still is wearing a splint. He’s not expected to resume baseball activities for several weeks.
What’s up with: Stefan Crichton. Showalter has been impressed with the 25-year-old right- hander, who has been regularly been brought over from minor league camp for impromptu appearances.
In his first six outings, Crichton pitched six scoreless innings, allowing four hits. On Sunday, Crichton was scheduled for the sixth inning and was told the night before that’d he pitching in the game. He responded with a perfect sixth, striking out one.
“That was the whole idea with [pitching coach Roger McDowell]. Get in there before the ninth inning and know a day in advance that he’s going to pitch,” Showalter said. “It’s good to see for us the same guy showed up.”
What they’re saying: “Pretty cool catch, pretty great moment. Sorry it had to be my boy Manny, but it’s part of the game, part of that process.” — Jones on robbing Machado of a home run in Team USA’s win over the Dominican Republic in the WBC’s second round.
What’s the number? 5 – Outfielder Craig Gentry stole second and third in the first inning Sunday, his fourth and fifth steals of the spring. In the 2016 regular season, Joey Rickard led the Orioles with four steals.
What’s the record? 15-11-2 — With four Grapefruit League games remaining, the Orioles have guaranteed they won’t leave Florida with a losing record. There’s also a game scheduled Friday in Norfolk with their Triple-A team. http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19016372/baltimore-orioles-name-rhp-kevin-gausman- opening-day-starter
Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman named Opening Day starter vs. Blue Jays
Associated Press March 27, 2017
SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Baltimore Orioles will have a new starter for their April 3 opener for the first time in the last four years.
Manager Buck Showalter said Monday that right-hander Kevin Gausman will start against Toronto.
The move to start the 26-year-old Gausman wasn't unexpected. Showalter had ruled right-hander Chris Tillman out of the opener when spring training began last month because of a sore right shoulder.
The Baltimore Orioles have named pitcher Kevin Gausman as their opening day starter against the Toronto Blue Jays. Joy R. Absalon/USA TODAY Sports Gausman, who was 9-12 with a 3.61 ERA last season, wasn't surprised by the announcement.
"Really it was kind of trying to piece it together. Thought I might have a chance obviously with Tilly out," Gausman said. "That's one thing. If Chris is healthy right now it's his game to start. But happy, excited. A lot of things to be thankful for in my life right now. Obviously, an exciting time for my family and obviously looking forward to it."
Tillman, who had started the previous three openers, was hoping to become the first Orioles pitcher since Jim Palmer (1974-77) to start four straight openers. Instead, it's Gausman, the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft. Gausman is in his fifth season with Baltimore, but this will be the first time he begins the season in the starting rotation.
"Not so much nervous, just anxious. I know it's going to be awesome. I love pitching in Baltimore, so happy that it's at home. Hopefully the first of many, but like I said, pretty exciting and definitely looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a lot of fun," Gausman said.
Even when it's seemingly obvious, Showalter never announces his Opening Day choice until late in spring training.
"I had some guys to pick from. I just thought Kevin was best equipped in a lot of different areas," Showalter said. "Kevin is the guy who can help us put our best foot forward."
Last season, Gausman had a strong second half, going 8-6 with a 3.10 ERA. His win on the final day of the regular season on Oct. 2 at New York, propelled the Orioles into the wild-card game.
"The biggest thing I did in the second half was get deep in games, which really is all you can try to do," Gausman said. "I felt like I was more consistent like that in the second half and just kind of feel like I hit the ground running this year so far."
Showalter appreciates Gausman's growth.
"He's got a good feel for the big leagues as compared to when he came in," Showalter said. "He's learned a lot of things about how to pitch when he's not carrying his best stuff."