As season nears, O's roster takes shape

In just a few short days, the 2018 season will officially begin.
And while rosters don't have to be set until noon on Thursday -- and the Orioles continue to monitor the waiver wire -- the bulk of the Opening Day club is set. Also known is how the O's pitching will line up for the first four games as they wait on the arrival of Alex Cobb.
With that in mind, let's take one more look at the projected lineup for the Orioles' matchup against Twins righty Jake Odorizzi on Thursday afternoon at Camden Yards.
Projected Opening Day lineup
Trey Mancini, LF
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Manny Machado,SS
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Tim Beckham, 3B
Anthony Santander, DH
Colby Rasmus, RF
Caleb Joseph, C
Dylan Bundy, RHP
Key roles
There's no great option at leadoff for the Orioles, though Showalter did make headlines for saying Davis is a consideration. For now, Mancini makes as much sense as anybody else. Brad Brach will get the bulk of closing opportunities, though Darren O'Day and Mychal Givens will also factor into the equation while Zach Britton is on the disabled list. Rasmus gets the nod against a right-handed starter. Pedro Álvarez could also get the start over Santander.
Injury updates
The O's are targeting an early June return for Britton (right Achilles surgery). Cobb is not hurt, but the fact that he signed late means he will slot into the rotation at some point between April 9-12. Mark Trumbo (right quad strain) is expected to miss at least the first two weeks of the season.