Chandler Shepherd named starter for first exhibition game

Chandler Shepherd named starter for first exhibition game
SARASOTA, Fla. - Chandler Shepherd is starting Saturday's exhibition opener against the Braves in North Port, marking the end of the workout grind and moving spring training into its next phase. Left-hander Ty Blach will follow Shepherd, who's supposed to work two innings. "He's one of the guys that we're stretching out and it just kind of fell on that day," said manager Brandon Hyde, who shared his decision with the media. "See him go a couple innings." Shepherd started the final game...
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Hess gaining information in camp

Hess gaining information in camp
SARASOTA, Fla. - The workout that's unfolding later this morning at the Ed Smith Stadium complex includes live batting practice sessions from 13 pitchers and regular bullpen sessions from 13. David Hess is in the latter group while he awaits his first Grapefruit League assignment. The opener is Saturday against the Braves in North Port and he hasn't been told whether he's involved in it. Hess has been pleased with his side work and first live batting practice round. The work done over the...
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Orioles utility competition keeps changing

Orioles utility competition keeps changing
SARASOTA, Fla. - Utility competitions generally do not elicit much excitement and drama in a spring training camp. The backup infielder ranks pretty low on the meter. More yawns than yippees. The Orioles, however, are turning the battles into a game show of sorts - but without the car or jet skis as a grand prize. Richard Ureña had been deemed a favorite to break camp on March 23 until the Orioles designated him for assignment yesterday. Another mock roster goes into the shredder. Pat...
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Orioles announce broadcast team for 2020 season

Orioles announce broadcast team for 2020 season
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are adding three new voices to their expanded broadcast team for the 2020 season, with the announcement coming earlier today. Scott Garceau, longtime broadcaster in Baltimore who's been hosting the "Scott and Jeremy Show" on 105.7 The Fan, will handle some of the play-by-play duties as he enters his 40th year in the area's sports landscape. He had spent 13 years as television play-by-play announcer, often teaming with Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, and was part...
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Hyde on Rutschman: "He's come here and he's not been afraid"

Hyde on Rutschman: "He's come here and he's not been afraid"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Adley Rutschman took batting practice this morning on Field 3 at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, his audience including Orioles executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde, and he threatened to bust a few windows in the homes beyond the right field fence. Across the street. Easily within his reach. Rutschman, taking his swings from both sides of the plate, also launched a ball over the batters' eye while Elias and Hyde stood behind the...
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Martin at third, Harvey back, Rutschman enjoying camp

Martin at third, Harvey back, Rutschman enjoying camp
SARASOTA, Fla. - Richie Martin arrived at the complex this morning, glanced at the board and found out that he's working out at third base. The rotating of Orioles infielders in camp is putting Martin at the hot corner. Manager Brandon Hyde indicated yesterday that Martin would be kept at shortstop and second base, but the former Rule 5 pick is going to take ground balls at a new position. "I've messed around over there, but I've never really learned the position, so that's going to take...
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Dillon Tate on role: "Just get these guys out"

Dillon Tate on role: "Just get these guys out"
SARASOTA, Fla. - The most successful of the three pitchers acquired by the Orioles in the Zack Britton trade in July 2018 posted a 6.43 ERA last summer in 16 appearances, his first in the major leagues. Dillon Tate wasn't a huge smash statistically, but there were moments that suggested his stuff would play at this level. That he could be a weapon with his hard sinker and swing-and-miss changeup. Manager Brandon Hyde and pitching coach Doug Brocail saw it from the dugout. The Rays saw it...
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Sisco on revamped hitting approach, Conine on new role with Orioles

Sisco on revamped hitting approach, Conine on new role with Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. - The changes that Chance Sisco is making in the batting cage actually bring him back to his old form, the return ignited by his offseason work in California. Sisco, who turns 25 next week, underwent intensive sessions with hitting instructor Craig Wallenbrock, with particular emphasis on his lower body. "Just to put it in simple terms, I'm trying to load correctly, trying to stay more in my legs than I have been in the past couple years," Sisco said after today's second...
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Hyde on Mountcastle, Martin, Sisco, Conine and more

Hyde on Mountcastle, Martin, Sisco, Conine and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - Ryan Mountcastle was grouped again with the outfielders on the stadium field as the Orioles held their second full-squad workout at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. There are no plans to try him at second base, according to manager Brandon Hyde, but he'll also get plenty of reps at the infield corners. "We definitely want to expose him in the outfield," Hyde said. "I just want him to be comfortable out there. He's going to play some outfield during games, so we want to give...
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Orioles back on field for second day of full-squad workouts

Orioles back on field for second day of full-squad workouts
SARASOTA, Fla. - Trey Mancini has returned to the field this morning after sitting out yesterday's workout due to the illness that's knocking down Orioles like bowling pins. Mancini is dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. This is a light workout for Mancini, who isn't back to full strength. But at least he made it out of the clubhouse and wasn't sent back home. The Orioles finished their Photo Day obligations and three fields are being used for live batting practice sessions. Ty Blach threw on...
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Tanner Scott aiming for more aggression

Tanner Scott aiming for more aggression
SARASOTA, Fla. - Tanner Scott is vowing to be more aggressive on the mound this season as a possible solution to his high walk rate. Attack the problem by attacking the hitters. Scott averaged 6.5 walks per nine innings in 2019 and the Orioles responded by giving him the yo-yo treatment between their roster and the minors. He had four stints on the club and totaled 28 appearances, 25 fewer than the previous season. The Orioles optioned Scott late in camp rather than include him on the opening...
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Hyde on Davis: "I thought he looked great"

Hyde on Davis: "I thought he looked great"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Davis took grounders at first base today on the Camden Yards replica field, fielding balls hit directly at him and later working on gloving them to his side and starting an imaginary double play. He hopped on a golf cart and rode to the main stadium field for rounds of batting practice, getting down in an exaggeratedly low crouch as his new stance before returning to the usual one - and flashing some of his old power with multiple balls clearing the left field fence. In...
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Chris Davis on his offseason, thoughts of quitting and more

Chris Davis on his offseason, thoughts of quitting and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis spoke with the media for about 10 minutes this morning at his locker before heading out to the field for the first full-squad workout. He discussed how he put on 25 pounds of weight in order to increase his strength. He talked about how he doesn't want to become a part-time player, one who's been, in his words, "well below-average." He also admitted that he talked to his wife, Jill, late in the season about walking away from the game with...
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Are Orioles starting to feel settled with their rotation candidates?

Are Orioles starting to feel settled with their rotation candidates?
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles no longer appear to be in an aggressive mode to find a starting pitcher as the first full-squad workout is held later today. They'll keep checking the market, but it's possible that left-hander Tommy Milone is the last candidate to join the fray. One phone call can swing the momentum. However, the Orioles seem satisfied with their pitching numbers in camp - the grand total has reached 36 - and there hasn't been any progress made toward a major league deal that...
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Manfred: "I think there is ... a good future for baseball in Baltimore"

Manfred: "I think there is ... a good future for baseball in Baltimore"
NORTH PORT, Fla. - Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred expressed no concerns this afternoon while speaking at the annual Media Day about the decline in Orioles attendance and the club's future as it goes through a painful rebuild process. He probably enjoyed the break from all of the Astros questions. "I have spent a considerable amount of time with the Angelos family during this offseason," Manfred said. "I think that the family is committed to making baseball as good as it can...
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Núñez hoping for more opportunities to play defense

Núñez hoping for more opportunities to play defense
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he expects everyone in camp for Monday's first full-squad workout. No visa issues or unexcused absences. No unwanted drama. "Haven't heard of a situation where anybody's not going to show up," he said, "so I think everybody's going to be ready to go tomorrow." Catcher Pedro Severino took batting practice on the Camden Yards replica field this morning, the surest sign that he finally beat the bug. Severino has been ill, but he began...
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Alberto among position players reporting today

Alberto among position players reporting today
SARASOTA, Fla. - Position players are due to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex today and arrivals spotted during the media's clubhouse access included Hanser Alberto, Yusniel Diaz, Dilson Herrera and Richard Ureña. A backpack was placed on a chair in front of Stevie Wilkerson's locker, so perhaps he's also here. Or maybe it's similar to Ronny Paulino's car sitting in the lot. Still no sign of Chris Davis. Alberto is going to experience a different camp in 2020. He isn't trying to...
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How Eshelman, Shepherd and Blach fit in camp

How Eshelman, Shepherd and Blach fit in camp
SARASOTA, Fla. - The maneuvering that's going to be necessary by April to fill out the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk won't involve only prospects as pieces. The Orioles are prepared to hold onto a veteran or two and figure out later how it's going to work. I've heard the six-man rotation idea and I've heard the word "piggyback." It's a bit complicated. Because they aren't going to rush a young pitcher, someone else will be used if there's an injury to a major league starter or some...
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Hyde on illnesses, Milone and Carroll

Hyde on illnesses, Milone and Carroll
SARASOTA, Fla. - Catcher Pedro Severino had a light workout today, finally able to get on the field after reporting to Orioles camp with a stomach virus. Severino hit in the cage and threw, and he also watched the bullpen sessions while the other six catchers took their positions behind the plate. "He's getting better every day," said manager Brandon Hyde. Relievers Hunter Harvey and Mychal Givens were sent home again today, but Hyde said their health is improving. "They're still feeling a...
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Notes on illnesses, Rodgers and Milone before today's workout

Notes on illnesses, Rodgers and Milone before today's workout
SARASOTA, Fla. - Hunter Harvey and Mychal Givens, who didn't throw yesterday due to illness, aren't scheduled for bullpen sessions this morning at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Manager Brandon Hyde sent Harvey and Givens back home yesterday after they reported to the complex. They weren't in the clubhouse this morning during the media availability. Catcher Pedro Severino, who also has been under the weather, reappeared at his locker today without the surgical mask and appeared ready to work...
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