O's still have plenty of roster decisions to make
Who will be on the Orioles' Opening Day roster?While it's still too early to make final predictions, there has been some clarity since the O's arrived at Spring Training, most notably because of the Chris Tillman injury, which will almost certainly put him on the disabled list to start the
Who will be on the Orioles' Opening Day roster?
While it's still too early to make final predictions, there has been some clarity since the O's arrived at Spring Training, most notably because of the Chris Tillman injury, which will almost certainly put him on the disabled list to start the season. Given their early off-days, the O's could opt for the extra bench player to start the season, which manager Buck Showalter has referenced a few times this spring, rather than an extra relief arm.
With a few other players nursing minor injuries, there's still a lot in play. But, here's another look at where the roster stands, with plenty yet to be decided.
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C (2):
1B (1):Chris Davis.
2B (1, possibly 2):
3B (1): Manny Machado.
SS (1): J.J. Hardy, who was slowed with back spasms early on, has returned to the field and should be ready for the start of the season.
Utility (1): Flaherty is still the favorite for the bench spot if he's healthy. If not, the O's could go with a guy like non-roster invitee
DH (1):
Outfielders (5, potentially 6):
The recent signing of
The O's two Rule 5 picks add some intrigue, particularly
Of course, this could all change depending on injuries as Smith has been sidelined for a few days with a hamstring issue. At this point, he's not in jeopardy of missing Opening Day, but that's certainly something to monitor.
There's also the roster shuffle caused by Tillman's injury, which could enable the O's to take an extra bench player to start the season.
Bullpen (7):Zach Britton,
That leaves two spots to fill and a whole lot of maybes as the O's could start the season with four starting pitchers and add either an extra bench player or an extra bullpen arm. Right now, let's say they stick with seven relievers.They'd need a long man, and I'd give the early edge to Logan Verrett, who could also be a spot-starter option if needed.
SP (4):
Tillman's injury at least comes at a favorable time in the schedule, enabling the Orioles to either use a spot starter out of the bullpen or add a guy from the Minors. Either way, you're looking at a roster carousel the first week or two of the season and the O's are adept at manipulating the roster.
Brittany Ghiroli has covered the Orioles for MLB.com since 2010. Read her blog, [**Britt's
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