Baltimore Orioles and a Roster in Flux

Jul 21, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) and center fielder Julio Borbon (29) score during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The Baltimore Orioles’ roster is currently in flux, as they wait for Darren O’Day to come back from the disabled list, which could come as soon as this weekend.

Then, they will wait for Hyun Soo Kim to come back, and that should happen at the end of the 15-day period.

The question then becomes, should that be the only changes?

Let’s assume for this that no trades are made, and that Dylan Bundy and Vance Worley remain in the rotation.

That would mean the bullpen would consist of Zach Britton, who picked up save 30 against the Yankees on Thursday afternoon, Brad Brach, O’Day, Mychal Givens, Chaz Roe, Donnie Hart, Ubaldo Jimenez, Odrisamer Despaigne. Someone there will have to go.

My pick is Ubaldo, but I’m not sure that the team has the stones to do that. I think Hart’s ability to get out lefties is valuable on this team, and he has pitched effectively since being called up. But, if the team opts to hold on to Ubaldo, I think Hart will get sent down.

Now, for the offense. Hopefully getting back home will allow everyone to get healthy, as Chris Davis, Manny Machado, Matt Wieters, Zach Britton, Buck Showalter and others have battled a virus since the All-Star Game.

A lot of clamoring called for Caleb Joseph to be sent down, but let’s face it, we all know he can hit better than he has so far. He is better than a .188 hitter, although he may be the kind of guy who needs regular playing time. In that way, maybe having Pena in the majors would be more effective. But, I’m keeping him as the backup catcher.

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The infield is what it is, with the starters and Ryan Flaherty as the backup.

But, the outfield is where a shakeup could be in order.

In bringing up Julio Borbon Jr., the O’s have a player that is the opposite of what most on the team do. Borbon has speed, is a strong defender, and can also execute the fundamentals.

That could put Nolan Reimold‘s roster spot in jeopardy.

Nolan has struggled since being forced into duty with the Kim injury, and also has a couple base-running gaffes to his credit recently.

As the O’s head toward the stretch, having a guy who can be a defensive replacement and also a speed option off the bench becomes more and more important, and even more so for the playoffs.