Young looking for more work with Orioles

BALTIMORE -- Delmon Young could have more of a role this season with the Orioles. And he will be preparing for it this spring as Young has asked to play right field in Minor League games when he doesn't make the O's scheduled trips.

"Going back to right field, that's where I spent most of my time my whole life," said Young, who will have much more of an opportunity with free agent Nick Markakis' departure.

"Having platoon splits and everything, I don't mind going back to right field. Left field, I don't too much care to be over there, but right field is a lot more comfortable. It's where I played, where I have most of my reps at in the Minor Leagues."

Young, who made last year's team as a non-roster invitee, will have much more job security after signing a one-year, $2.25 million contract to return to Baltimore in 2015. He hit an impressive .302 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 83 games during the regular season, and he became wildly popular with the fan base after a pivotal three-run double in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

"My first goal was to come back here, just because I like just being in a place where you're guaranteed to have an opportunity to defend a division title," said Young, who fit in well in the clubhouse last year.

About half of Young's at-bats in 2014 came in the designated-hitter role, but with the losses of Markakis and Nelson Cruz, he will be more of an option for manager Buck Showalter in the field. The Orioles could use a lot of matchups early as Showalter tries to find a leadoff man and could employ a platoon in both corner outfield spots surrounding Adam Jones.