As spring training rolls along, the Baltimore Orioles are gearing up for the regular season, and it's a great time to check in on some familiar faces who have moved on to new teams. A couple of former Orioles are finding the transition a bit rocky with the Los Angeles Angels.
Let's dive into how these ex-Orioles are faring in spring training so far.
Baltimore made a surprising move in the offseason by trading pitcher Grayson Rodriguez for outfielder Taylor Ward. Ward has been a solid addition for the Orioles, but Rodriguez is having a rough start with the Angels.
Over three outings in Arizona, Rodriguez has posted a 7.88 ERA, allowing seven earned runs over eight innings. While he's struck out seven, the six walks indicate his command isn't quite there yet.
Last season, Rodriguez had a respectable 3.86 ERA in 20 starts with Baltimore, so this might just be a spring training hiccup.
Trey Mancini, another former Oriole, is also struggling with the Angels. Hopes were high that reuniting with Brady Anderson might spark something special, but Mancini has managed just two hits in 21 plate appearances. It seems like his latest comeback is following a familiar pattern.
On a brighter note, some ex-Orioles are thriving with their new teams.
Outfielder Ramón Laureano, who played 82 games with Baltimore last season, was traded to the Padres and is continuing his strong performance. Last season, he slashed .281/.342/.512 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs. This spring, Laureano has six hits in 22 plate appearances, including three doubles and a triple, suggesting he might be set for another standout year.
Catcher Gary Sánchez, who had a brief stint with Baltimore, has reunited with the Milwaukee Brewers and is making the most of his opportunities. With seven hits in 27 at-bats, including a double and a homer, Sánchez looks poised for significant playing time.
While spring training stats aren't always predictive of regular-season success, it will be intriguing to see if those struggling can turn things around and if those excelling can maintain their momentum.