O’s SpringNotes: Day 2

A flurry of injury news came out yesterday, the first day of workouts for Orioles pitchers and catchers. As day two gets under way, let’s see what is unfolding today.

D.L. Hall says that the discomfort in his back a few weeks ago was nothing too crazy. Of course, it’s normal this time of year after off-season workouts and down time before ramping back up.

Hall has already returned to throwing and is getting ready to compete for a starting rotation spot. On his thoughts about being a reliever in the majors or a starter in Triple-A, Hall didn’t shy away from the question.

“Whatever they decide is what I’ll do, and I’m gonna perform no matter where I go and give myself the best chance to get up there and help the team,” Hall said.

Hall doesn’t shy away from telling the media exactly what he’s going to be long-term in his career, however.

“I’m gonna be a starter,” Hall said.

That mindset is exactly what manager Brandon Hyde is looking for from his young pitcher. Hyde explained he wants Hall, Tyler Wells and other rotation candidates to view themselves as starters until decision time at the end of camp.

Hyde also announced that relievers Cionel Pérez and Bryan Baker could get some opportunities closing games if Félix Bautista is not ready by Opening Day.

Realistically, this is more of a precautious approach for Bautista, as he is still a young arm. With Dillon Tate slated to miss the first month of the season, the O’s bullpen will have roles to fill and opportunities for players to step up and claim a spot.

“He’s doing very well but won’t be appearing in Grapefruit [League] action until very late, if at all, and will certainly start the season on the injured list and miss most of, if not all of, April,” Elias said on Thursday about Tate. “But we expect him back toward the end of April or the early part of May at this point in time, and that’s going well.”

Speaking of Tate’s injury and opportunity, Andrew Politi might find a way on to the team. The Rule 5 Draft pick has a chance to showcase what he has and why GM Mike Elias selected him, and he was working with Adley Rutschman today.

Rutschman has already been busy to open camp. On day two, he worked with Politi and prospect partner Grayson Rodriguez. Rutschman was also seen taking “throw to home” drills along with Maverick Handley and was taking batting practice to close out the day yesterday.

For the first time since 2019, the Orioles, as well as the rest of the league, will be having a normal spring training. After being interrupted by COVID and then the MLB Lockout, baseball has a different feel this year.

“I was joking all winter that unless we get attacked by aliens, we should have a normal spring training,” Elias said. “Looks like we can’t totally rule that out at this point, unfortunately.”

As Elias jokes about UFOs, he was also asked about projection systems predicting a regression from the Orioles this season.

“Those are lower than I would expect to see, but we really like this team,” Elias said. “And it’s going to be a dogfight, I know that. But I think we’ve got a good shot to get into the playoffs this year.”

Many fans are hoping for the same, but the first step is getting into the regular season as healthy as the team can. The Baltimore Battery will continue to monitor what is taking place in Sarasota and provide the latest news and updates.

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