MARCH 8, 2023•MLB.COM
Twins 7, Blue Jays 0 Final Score (03/08/2023) on MLB GamedayFollow MLB results with FREE box scores, pitch-by-pitch strikezone info, and Statcast data for Twins vs. Blue Jays at TD Ballpark
Ryan McKenna - Showing solid plate disciplineMcKenna is just 3-for-14 through six Grapefruit League games, but he's also drawn four walks and added one stolen base on two attempts.
ImpactMcKenna's unlikely to earn anything more than a bench role to begin 2023. The improved plate discipline should help -- he drew just 11 walks in 172 plate appearances last season, a 6.6 percent rate. McKenna's place in the Orioles' plans for this year likely depends on whether the team wants to open with four or five outfielders. Kyle Stowers is hitting .333 (5-for-15) with four walks across six games this spring and could have the edge over McKenna if the team goes with four outfielders, though it's also possible Stowers slots in at designated hitter frequently. McKenna's solid defense and speed makes him more suited for being a late-game replacement.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
MLB live updates: Twins at Blue Jays game on 03/08/2023 free with MLB GamedayFollow MLB results with FREE live box scores, pitch-by-pitch strikezone info, and Statcast data for Twins vs. Blue Jays at TD Ballpark
MARCH 8, 2023•MLB.COM
Nick Vespi - Sim game coming upOrioles manager Brandon Hyde said Wednesday that Vespi (sports hernia) is slated to throw a simulated game next week, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
ImpactAfter Vespi threw a 35-pitch bullpen session last Friday, there had been some hope that he would be cleared to face hitters this week, but the Orioles will instead continue to take things slowly with the lefty reliever for a few more days. With the Orioles providing no indication that he has suffered a setback in his recovery from the sports hernia surgery he underwent Jan. 5, Vespi still looks on pace to get fully ramped up by the time Opening Day arrives. However, since Vespi doesn't have an extensive track record in the majors and still has two minor-league options remaining, it wouldn't be surprising if the Orioles optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk before heading north for the start of the regular season.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Félix Bautista - Advancing to live work next weekOrioles manager Brandon Hyde said Wednesday that Bautista (shoulder/knee) is on track to throw live batting practice next week, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
ImpactThe 27-year-old has yet to make his spring debut while battling shoulder and knee soreness, but he's been gradually ramping up through bullpen sessions over the past two weeks and should be ready to take the next meaningful step forward in his buildup process within the next few days. Assuming Bautista is able to get in an appearance or two in a Grapefruit League game or minor-league game on the back fields at some point before spring training ends, he should be ready to handle closing duties for the Orioles by the time Opening Day arrives.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
DL Hall - Nearing live throwingOrioles manager Brandon Hyde said Hall (back) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and is set to throw live batting practice in the upcoming days, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun rep...
ImpactHall won't be an option for Opening Day while he remains behind the Orioles' other pitchers in his throwing progression due to the lower-back injury, but the fact that he's been cleared for mound work with a couple weeks left to go in spring training suggests he shouldn't be headed for an extensive absence to begin the season. The Orioles are still looking to develop the 24-year-old lefty as a starter, so he'll presumably join the Triple-A Norfolk rotation whenever he's deemed to be healthy.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Dillon Tate - Steps back on half moundOrioles manager Brandon Hyde said that Tate (elbow) threw his first half-mound session of spring training Wednesday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.
ImpactPer Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun, Tate's throwing session consisted of all fastballs, as the Orioles aren't yet comfortable having him put spin on the baseball while he's working back from a right elbow flexor strain. Tate is already expected to be sidelined for the first month of the season, so the Orioles may not be planning on having him throw off a full month until late in camp or until early April.
MARCH 8, 2023•ROTOWIRE
