The Baltimore Orioles are in the thick of spring training down in Florida, and as Opening Day approaches, they're facing some pivotal decisions. One of the key roster battles centers around two pitchers vying for a spot in the bullpen: Albert Suarez and Dietrich Enns.
While these names might not be the ones grabbing headlines, their roles could prove crucial, especially with the Orioles' starting rotation still a bit of a question mark. Let's dive into what each pitcher brings to the table.
Albert Suarez, with his background as a starter, offers some versatility. Back in 2024, he turned heads with the Orioles, posting a solid 3.70 ERA over 134 innings in 32 appearances.
This was a notable comeback, considering he hadn't pitched in the majors since 2017 with the Giants. Unfortunately, his 2025 season was cut short by an elbow injury, limiting him to just five appearances, though he impressed with a 2.31 ERA in 12 innings.
Dietrich Enns, on the other hand, is a lefty who could serve as a reliable long relief option. His journey back to the big leagues was marked by a hiatus since 2021, but last season with Baltimore, he showed promise with a 3.14 ERA over 17 appearances and 30 innings.
Spring training stats have been less than stellar for both. Suarez has given up eight earned runs in 6 and 2/3 innings, while Enns has allowed seven runs in just 3 and 1/3 innings. Despite these struggles, the Orioles are considering a six-man rotation to kick off the season, which might make a versatile arm even more valuable.
There's speculation that Enns could have the edge due to his left-handedness, but Suarez's experience and adaptability might still make him a valuable asset down the line. As the Orioles weigh their options, both pitchers remain in the mix, ready to step up when called upon.