AL East Preview: Orioles now have a title to defend, with Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays set to challenge
The AL East has changed a lot from the days when the big-market behemoths would overpower the rest of the divisionMARCH 18•ASSOCIATED PRESS
NL East Preview: Braves and Phillies primed for another clash
Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Atlanta Braves are ready for another crack at PhiladelphiaMARCH 18•ASSOCIATED PRESS
Don't sleep on these arms competing in hitting-rich O's campNORTH PORT, Fla. -- The Orioles have sat atop MLB Pipeline's farm system rankings since mid-2021, largely on the strength of their position...
MARCH 18•MLB.COM
Jorge Mateo - Providing outfield coverMateo is likely to provide depth in the infield and outfield in 2024, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
ImpactWith Gunnar Henderson set to see most of his playing time at shortstop, Mateo is without a full-time spot in the Orioles' lineup. Mateo got some work in at second base over the winter and has previously played center field in his career. In Sunday's game versus Atlanta, Mateo also started in right field and shifted to left during the contest. He's gone 9-for-32 (.281) with two home runs and six RBI in spring training, but he has yet to steal a base during Grapefruit League play. Speed and defense are his top skills, but it's looking like a short-side platoon role may be a best-case scenario for Mateo to begin 2024. It's more likely he sees most of his time as a late-game replacement.
MARCH 18•ROTOWIRE
Joe Jiménez - On track for setup roleJimenez struck out one in 0.2 scoreless innings of relief during Sunday's split-squad game against the Red Sox.
ImpactThe right-hander has had a solid spring, giving up only one run with a 6:3 K:BB over 4.2 innings. Jimenez should be one of Atlanta's top setup men from the right side this season in front of closer Raisel Iglesias, and he's got a strong chance of topping the 13 holds he recorded in 2023 over 59 appearances.
MARCH 18•ROTOWIRE
Forrest Wall - Likely to miss out on roster spotWall seems ticketed for Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the season following the addition of Adam Duvall, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.
ImpactThe 28-year-old appeared to have played his way onto Atlanta's Opening Day roster in a bench role with an impressive spring that has seen him bat .333 (10-for-30) with three homers and three steals. However, with Duvall now on the roster as a platoon partner for Jarred Kelenic in left field, Wall likely misses out as the team isn't expected to carry five outfielders. If his spring success carries over to Triple-A, Wall could be the first player called up should injuries hit the Atlanta outfield.
MARCH 18•ROTOWIRE
Braves send 2023 All-Star Bryce Elder to minors. Reynaldo López earns spot in rotation
The Atlanta Braves have optioned All-Star pitcher Bryce Elder to the minors, picking Reynaldo López to open the season as the team’s fifth starterMARCH 18•ASSOCIATED PRESS
