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Baltimore Orioles game 2 vs. Toronto Blue Jays: 3 things to watch

By Nate Wardle

Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; A general view of the stadium prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; A general view of the stadium prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles enter fielder Joey Rickard (23) hits a 3-run home run during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles enter fielder Joey Rickard (23) hits a 3-run home run during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Joey Rickard gets the start against the lefty Happ, and I want to know if the team will give him the option of running.

Buck Showalter and the Orioles did a lot of base stealing in the spring, and Rickard is one of the best, along with Craig Gentry. In addition, Russell Martin only threw out 15 percent of base stealers last year.

I think the decision to start Mancini makes sense for another reason in relevance to this. Having Gentry to come off the bench presents an option to pinch run and create some action should the Orioles need it.

Rickard came in as a defensive replacement in game one, and almost won the game. His sinking line drive was snared by Jose Bautista in the ninth, potentially preventing a game-winning RBI.

The Orioles famously stole very few bases in 2016, but Rickard had the most steals on the team, despite his injury.

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