Inbox: What does Trumbo's injury do to roster?

Beat reporter Brittany Ghiroli answers questions from Orioles fans

March 17th, 2018

What does 's injury do to the Orioles' roster?
-- Mike N., Columbia, Md.

It could do a number of things. Trumbo's injury -- he'll miss 3-4 weeks due to a quad injury -- could open up a slot for or Danny Valencia, who already was being considered as an unorthodox utility man. That said, manager Buck Showalter didn't seem to indicate the chances of Alvarez or Valencia making the Opening Day roster have increased when asked by reporters. The team could also carry an extra outfielder and rotate Trumbo's designated-hitter spot, which is something Showalter has long claimed he'd prefer to do to give his players a breather. It would also make it easier for the Orioles to keep outfielder , a Rule 5 pick in December 2016.
Trumbo being cautious with injury
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The Orioles have always been creative when it comes to their roster, and given the number of off-days they have in April, the club could use the injury to store one of their three most recent Rule 5 picks -- giving them more time to make a decision on , and , Jr.
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How much concern is there with Chris Davis right now? Not just his injury, but him being ready for the season?
-- Kelsey K., Las Vegas

I think there's definitely some concern. Davis, who Showalter said on Friday could return to the lineup on Sunday, was supposed to use this spring to get back on track at the plate. In fact, he told the media early on he was going to treat every at-bat like it was the regular season. Unfortunately, he hasn't had a whole lot of at-bats because of the forearm issue.
Obviously, the club needs to play it safe with a spring injury to Davis because they don't want it to linger (which is what happened a few years ago with his thumb). And while there's still plenty of time to get some at-bats in if he does return on Sunday, it's still a situation to monitor. After all, Davis is trying hard to have a bounce-back season. I don't think his Opening Day readiness is in jeopardy as things stand now, but it'd be best if he gets back in there and gets on a roll before the team heads north.

Could the Orioles still make a move to add a player? There are still some players who could help.
-- Ryan M., Essex, Md.

With Trumbo hurt and the uncertainty surrounding Davis, I could see them doing something. They could look outside the organization to get a utility player if no one separates himself in camp. Or, executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette could make a late move to add another name to the pitching mix.
Is anything imminent? No. But it wouldn't surprise me if the Orioles made another move before they head back to Baltimore. This is the time of year when teams must make decisions on players who are out of options, which should open up a whole new pool of options. Stay tuned.
Should I be concerned about Chris Tillman's spring so far?
-- Dan P., Washington, D.C.

Taking one spring start as the sum of his entire camp would be overreacting. Command was definitely an issue for Tillman in his Grapefruit League debut, but he's healthy, and the O's wouldn't have signed him if they didn't think last year was an anomaly. The good news is, he'll get another chance to pitch and find his rhythm. It's not like he was crushed by the opposition; he just beat himself with six walks.

He'll have to be better to start the season, no doubt. But I don't think it's fair to assume after one poor outing the O's will get the Tillman of 2017.
Who are your picks to start the opening series?
-- Sara H., Baltimore

Right now, I'd say , and , in that order.