Orioles Spring Training Update: Key Developments and Player Insights
After back-to-back rainouts, the Orioles are set to take on the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland. Manager Craig Albernaz kept Kyle Bradish sharp with live batting practice at Ed Smith Stadium, following the cancellation of the Orioles-Red Sox game and a rain-shortened matchup against the Yankees.
Injury Updates and Player Progress
Second baseman Jackson Holliday is on the mend after wrist surgery and aims to rejoin the Orioles by early-to-mid April, targeting Triple-A Norfolk's opener on March 27th. Meanwhile, third baseman Jordan Westburg is sidelined with a partial ulnar collateral ligament tear. After a platelet-rich-plasma injection in February, he's out until at least May 1st, according to President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias.
The roster is being fine-tuned as right-hander Enoli Paredes and infielder Willy Vasquez head to minor league camp. Currently, the Orioles have 49 players in camp, including 13 non-roster invitees. Relievers Félix Bautista and Colin Selby remain on the 60-day injured list, and left-hander Cade Povich was optioned to minor league camp to ensure regular game action.
World Baseball Classic Highlights
Orioles staff were thrilled with Gunnar Henderson's performance in Team USA’s 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic semifinal. Henderson, hitting .429 with two homers in the tournament, has been a standout. Team USA faces Venezuela in the final.
Rico Garcia, Jose Espada, and Luis Vázquez have returned to the Orioles after representing Team Puerto Rico. Garcia delivered a hitless 1 1/3 innings in San Juan, describing the experience as unforgettable and playoff-like.
Pitching Staff Developments
Dietrich Enns, who joined the Orioles last July, is working on refining his changeup. Despite a rocky start to spring, he feels improvements are coming.
Enns praised fellow left-hander Grant Wolfram’s progress, along with young arms Anthony Nunez and Cameron Foster. Enns has allowed eight runs on nine hits over five innings this spring, but remains optimistic about the bullpen's potential.
Cultural and Personal Highlights
Garcia cherished his time in Puerto Rico, connecting with his heritage. "It was beautiful, the people, the food there, it was everything I could dream of," he shared.
Looking Ahead
Manager Albernaz emphasized the importance of regular playing time over specific at-bat numbers during Grapefruit League games. "It's the sheer volume of the workload," he noted, as the team adjusts lineups to maximize player readiness.
The Orioles, with an 8-11-2 record, will face the Tigers with Chris Bassitt on the mound against Justin Verlander. Bassitt has been solid, allowing four earned runs over nine innings, and looks to continue his strong performance.