Wondering if two Rule 5 infielders fit on the roster

SARASOTA, Fla. - Three exhibition games won't provide many clues as to how manager Brandon Hyde envisions the construction of his 25-man roster, especially with players continuing to jump positions. But the two Rule 5 infielders might bring a few of his ideas into focus.

Richie Martin made another start at shortstop yesterday against the Twins, going 1-for-2 before Jack Reinheimer replaced him. Drew Jackson started at second base, giving the Orioles a Rule 5 double play combination.

"They're really athletic," Hyde said before providing a separator.

"Both guys are a little bit different for me in that Richie, the defense at shortstop so far, just the way he's gone about his business, the way he's worked - and he didn't get a ball hit to him in the other game he started (Saturday) - but all his stuff with Flo (José Flores), it's exceptional. He's been exceptional defensively," Hyde said.

"Jackson is interesting in that he's played in multiple spots in his career. He's going to play center field here coming up shortly. He's played second, he's played short. That utility role with an athletic guy who can play multiple spots and can run. I just think the more of those type of players you can have on your club, the more versatility you have. And both of those guys are young, athletic, smart baseball players. So, yeah, we're going to get as many looks as possible."

Jackson has made 183 starts at shortstop in the minors, 112 at second base, eight in center field and five at third base. Martin has made 327 starts at shortstop and 21 at second base - all of them coming last season at Double-A Midland.

A rebuilding club trying to stock up on young talent could make Martin the starting shortstop and carry Jackson in a utility role, which is how they seem to envision using him. The question is whether there's room for both players if the Orioles keep non-roster infielder Alcides Escobar.

Not with a three-man bench, of course, but perhaps with four reserves on the opening day roster.

It would nix the idea of a platoon of Renato Núñez and Rio Ruiz at third base and eliminate Reinheimer, Jace Peterson, Stevie Wilkerson, Zach Vincej and Christopher Bostick from the utility competition.

"We're trying to get as much talent in here as possible," Hyde said. "Like we've been talking all along, it's a month evaluation period and we're just trying to get as many talented players in our organization as possible and hopefully we can hold onto as many of these guys as we can."

The choice is hold onto Martin and Jackson or pass them through waivers and offer them back to the Athletics and Dodgers, respectively.

"I think they both grew up baseball guys, (in) baseball families, that have a lot of tools and have some ability," Hyde said, "and now they just need the opportunity and we're going to give it to them and see what they can do."

Meanwhile, reliever Pedro Araujo must stay on the roster for the first 17 days to lose his Rule 5 status. The Orioles selected him from the Cubs organization, so Hyde is familiar with the minor league version.

"I haven't seen him throw since, I think we had him in a couple backup times in Chicago," Hyde said. "He looked a little different. But I've watched a couple of his sides. He's got a great arm, great size, great changeup.

"Last year's experience was a positive for him. He's going to be in the mix."