BALTIMORE -- As a handful of injuries hit the Orioles’ outfield at the end of Spring Training, with the statuses of Dylan Beavers (right knee discomfort) and Heston Kjerstad (right hamstring tightness) both questionable ahead of Opening Day, another question mark was brought into play during the club’s 8-1 exhibition game win vs. the Nationals on Sunday at Camden Yards.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, utility infielder Luis Vázquez -- who was in contention to make the Orioles’ Opening Day roster -- was hit on his right thumb by a 92 mph cutter, requiring stitches. He will undergo X-rays on Monday as a precaution, per manager Craig Albernaz.
Vázquez was battling for the final spot on the O's bench. His elite defense at second, third and shortstop made him one of the frontrunners, while his performance for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic showed off his offensive potential. Now, depending on the diagnosis and timeline, the spot is open for Jeremiah Jackson, with Bryan Ramos, Weston Wilson or Thairo Estrada as other options.