Baltimore Orioles’ Slow Start to Spring Training
By Nate Wardle
The Baltimore Orioles are three games into Spring Training, and is there reason to be concerned already?
The Baltimore Orioles have played three games so far.
Game 1 – 4-4 T at Atlanta Braves
Game 2 – 11-4 L vs. Atlanta Braves
Game 3 – 10-3 L vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Well, the results aren’t pretty. Ubaldo Jimenez had a terrible start in game 2, only getting one out in the first inning and throwing 34 pitches and allowing seven runs. Miguel Gonzalez was not great in game 3, getting four outs but yielding seven runs.
The good news is that both pitchers came out of the starts saying they felt fine and got in the work they needed. Late in spring training, these results would be more concerning. For now, let’s just say it is earlier and move on.
Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey have both looked good and healthy, which is a good sign. Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard has been pretty good. As has Jason Garcia.
Hyun Soo Kim is still adjusting, something I expect to last even into the season. So far, he is 0-for-9 with one strike out. But, I saw today that Jung-Ho Kang went 9-for-45 last Spring, so that helps put things in perspective. Even if Kim starts in the minors, I think he will make an impact in 2016.
But, that doesn’t mean things have all been ok. Chris Tillman looks like he is recovered from his injury, which is a sigh of relief, because that would have been a major setback for the rotation.
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Now Brian Matusz is dealing with a back injury. Buck Showalter says his return is ‘not imminent,’ although the team has not revealed yet the injury, or how severe it is.
On Thursday, Jimmy Paredes hurt his wrist while diving for a ball. We spoke about how it may be difficult for Paredes to make the roster due to his defensive deficiencies. It is believed the injury could be a sprain, which would likely keep Paredes out for at least a few weeks and further question his ability to make the roster.
At this point, the results don’t matter. But, it would be nice to be healthy and play well. Right now, the Orioles aren’t exactly doing that, but it is too soon to panic.