Inbox: How will Valencia help O's?

Beat reporter Brittany Ghiroli answers questions from Baltimore fans

March 4th, 2018

Why sign Danny Valencia if he can't go down to the Minors?
-- Tammy L., Baltimore

Why? Look no further than the recent injury to Chris Davis. All it takes is one injury for the O's depth to be tested. Valencia hits lefties incredibly well, has familiarity with the organization and can play first base, third base and both corner-outfield spots. It's a fairly low-risk scenario, especially given that the utility-infielder role is far from being decided. Why not?
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Do the Orioles have any interest in ?
-- Pete, Fairfax, Va.

Like many other teams, the Orioles are sifting through the wealth of free agents still looking for a deal. While they're keeping an eye on the fate of top arms like Arrieta, it would be a major surprise if he fell to a price range that included the O's.
The Orioles have been burned before by extending contracts to free-agent arms (see: ), and while they have been linked to other free agents like and Alex Cobb, they are in a position where they can afford to wait and see if anyone changes their demands. The O's have gone from three holes to just one in their rotation by adding and Chris Tillman, and they're looking closely at guys like Mike Wright Jr. and Rule 5 pick -- both of whom cannot be sent to the Minors -- for that last spot.
Certainly the buzz out of O's camp is that they may not be done adding players. But a big name like Arrieta still doesn't sound quite within the realm of possibility. Lynn and Cobb, however, are considered the next tier down, and I wouldn't rule either out, especially the longer they stay on the market.

What's the plan for ?
-- Tim R., Norfolk, Va.

As manager Buck Showalter said earlier in camp, Harvey can make it tough on the O's brass this spring. First, he should get more starts, because the team is trying to avoid the regular-rotation guys pitching against the division or Opening Day opponent Minnesota. Second, Harvey is finally healthy and reminding people why he's a top prospect in the first place.
Realistically, he's not going to break camp. But Harvey, who has yet to pitch a full Minor League season, could factor into the O's plans at some point this year. Expect them to carefully monitor his innings, like they did with Dylan Bundy a few years ago.