MARCH 22, 2021•MLB.COM
Davis (back strain) likely headed to ILFrom the time a lumbar strain sidelined Chris Davis near the start of Orioles camp, the possibility existed that the injury would force Davi...
Could miss extended timeOrioles manager Brandon Hyde acknowledged the possibility Monday that Davis (back) could begin the season on the 60-day injured list, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
ImpactDavis has yet to resume workouts with the Orioles since being shut down in early March with a lower-back strain that required an evaluation from a specialist. While the Orioles haven't shed much light on the severity of Davis' injury, it's clear that he'll need to spend more than the minimum 10 days on the IL to begin the season. Considering that Davis has slashed .196/.291/.379 since signing a seven-year, $161 million extension in January 2016, the Orioles are most likely viewing him as a sunk cost at this point, so don't expect the rebuilding club to rush him back even if his condition takes a dramatic turn for the better in the near future. Trey Mancini is slated to open the season as the Orioles' everyday first baseman.
MARCH 22, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Fourth option year uncertainThorpe gave up two runs over 2.2 innings with one strikeout in Sunday's spring appearance. He has a 2.35 ERA this spring with eight strikeouts and two walks in 7.2 innings. An arib...
ImpactThorpe has looked good this spring as he's increased velocity, throwing in the low-to-mid 90s after a sharp drop last season (average fastball velocity of 89.7 mph). The larger issue for where he'll begin the season is if he gains a fourth option year based on losing time due to injury. An arbitrator is set to rule on whether players who spent most of last season at alternate training sites played a "full season," the Star Tribune adds. If the Twins are granted a fourth option year on Thorpe's contract, he'll likely be ticketed for Triple-A. If not, he may begin the season in the majors in a long relief role since the Twins would need to place him on waivers to send him to the minors. It's not clear when the arbitrator will make a decision.
MARCH 22, 2021•ROTOWIRE
After Successful Audition, Orioles LHP Keegan Akin Ready For Spotlight In 2021 - PressBoxOnline.comOrioles lefty Keegan Akin made a solid first impression in the big leagues last year, and now he's ready to be asked to do more in 2021. "Re...
MARCH 22, 2021•PRESSBOXONLINE.COM
2021 Fantasy Baseball Undervalued Hitters - PressBoxOnline.comPhil Backert looks at three hitters who may be undervalued in your fantasy baseball draft but have the potential to offer big value from a l...
MARCH 22, 2021•PRESSBOXONLINE.COM
Hits fourth spring homerGarlick went 2-for-3 with a home run in Sunday's spring training win over Baltimore. He's hitting .375 (9-for-24) with four home runs this spring.
ImpactGarlick is competing for a reserve outfield role with the Twins. He's a long shot to make the final roster despite the strong spring. The Twins do need a right-handed outfield bat on the bench, however. He won't need to go through waivers if sent to the minors, so he'll likely add depth at Triple-A and could be called up later this summer.
MARCH 22, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Could bat leadoffArraez could share the leadoff role against right-handed pitchers with Max Kepler this season, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. Arraez hit leadoff Sunday and went 2-for-3 with...
ImpactArraez will move to a utility role this season with the Twins signing Andrelton Simmons to play shortstop and moving Jorge Polanco to second base. However, he's expected to get near everyday duty as starters are rested regularly. The Twins may not have a set lineup as manager Rocco Baldelli likes to play matchups each game, but it sounds like Arraez will be in the leadoff mix.
MARCH 22, 2021•ROTOWIRE
