Ynoa trying to seize opportunity with Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Gabriel Ynoa knows that he has a chance to impact the Orioles this season. It just depends what he does with it.

The Orioles made an attempt to improve their pitching depth on Feb. 10 by acquiring Ynoa from the Mets for cash considerations. They designated catcher Francisco Pena for assignment and he cleared waivers.

Ynoa, 23, has thrown a couple of bullpen sessions and will pitch in Tuesday's intrasquad game, expected to be played on the Ed Smith Stadium field. Ynoa is in the group with starter Tyler Wilson, Donnie Hart, Oliver Drake, Parker Bridwell and Richard Rodriguez.

The trade was "a great opportunity," he said through interpreter Ramon Alarcon. "I thought they did it because they needed me, so I'm going to take this opportunity and try to do the best job I can do."

Ynoa is 59-30 with a 3.36 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 136 minor league games, including 128 starts. He went 12-5 with a 3.97 ERA last summer in 25 starts with Triple-A Las Vegas, ranking third in the Pacific Coast League with 154 1/3 innings pitched.

In 10 games with the Mets last summer, Ynoa allowed 13 runs and 26 hits with seven walks and 17 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings. He had a 3.18 ERA in three starts.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette stated after the trade that Orioles scouts believe Ynoa can develop into a quality major league starter by developing a consistent breaking pitch.

"I am making an adjustment on that," Ynoa said. "I've heard that comment before and I'm definitely working on that every day."

Ynoa seems to be blending in with his new teammates on the 53-man camp roster. He's getting the assistance that he needs, whether it's on the field or via an interpreter.

"I feel very good working together as a team. I feel comfortable with the staff," he said.

"I relate well with the entire staff so far and everything I've asked, they've been able to answer my questions. So everything is good so far."

His brief stint with the Mets could ease the transition.

"I had a great experience last year, a great learning experience for me last year. I'm looking forward to learning from this experience and putting it together to do a good job," Ynoa said.

"I learned how to pitch better. Hopefully, I'll continue to learn that over here with the pitching coaches, their teachings. I'm also trying to get quick outs. I see something, that's an area I can improve upon."