Zimmermann and Urías making early impressions in camp

Brandon Hyde won't overreact to individual production in early exhibition games. Like any manager, he'll place his judgments on hold until later.

In the meantime, there are players assured of roster spots on opening day who just want to get ready. Players on the fringes who can get bumped in either direction. Important that they know the difference.

The latter group can't be sluggish coming out of the gate, no matter how patient the manager is and how measured his reactions.

Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann, the Loyola Blakefield graduate who's trying to become more than just a nice local story, turned in the best pitching performance of the spring yesterday with two scoreless innings and four strikeouts.

The pitch mix and maturity draw the kind of attention he's seeking and toss him into the thick of the rotation and bullpen competitions.

"I like Bruce's stuff," Hyde said yesterday morning in his Zoom session. "He's throwing the ball really well so far in camp. He's a left-handed starter who's got a really nice arm, a couple nice breaking balls. He got his feet wet a little bit in the big leagues with us last year. A guy who's been a starter his whole career and we're continuing to lengthen him out - whether it's in the starter role or long relief role, we'll see.

"Still a lot of games left, a lot of time here this next month. But somebody that we like. I think he's got an upside on the mound and he's done very well so far."

Zimmermann could be a valuable bulk reliever, exactly the kind that's needed more than ever in 2021. With the possibility of moving into the rotation depending on the row of veterans blocking his path.

If you haven't grown tired of hearing about the "Oriole Way," reflect back to the days when future starters cut their teeth in the bullpen. Guys like Mike Flanagan, Scott McGregor, Dennis Martinez and Storm Davis.

The reasons might differ a bit this season, but it's a similar idea. Gain experience in a major league environment. Learn from the veterans, though there are fewer of them on a rebuilding club. Consume innings as well as the wisdom.

Or just plop Zimmermann into the rotation now if he really earns it. You can make that argument, too.

Otherwise, he's going to continue his education every fifth day with Triple-A Norfolk, which could have a loaded rotation when its season begins in May.

Ramón Urías also sits on the roster bubble, but he isn't in the same prospect class. He's trying to bump Pat Valaika from the utility job or perhaps join him on a four-man bench.

Hyde likes Urías' skills at shortstop and his ability to drive the ball to the opposite field, as he did yesterday with a game-winning, three-run homer.

Urías is going to get an extended audition after impressing over 10 games last season. He has one minor league option remaining, but so does Valaika, who signed a split contract to avoid arbitration.

Valaika will be paid $875,000 in the majors and $300,000 in the minors. He entered camp as a roster favorite, but it isn't inconceivable - try hearing that word without thinking of "The Princess Bride" - that he misses the trip to Boston.

Bench competitions don't elicit much excitement, but this one is going to be interesting.