Baker and Soto join Orioles' workout and wait to find out if they're on Opening Day roster (updated)

TORONTO – Orioles reliever Bryan Baker hasn’t been told anything.

Infielder Livan Soto hasn’t been told anything.

They have lockers in the visiting clubhouse at Rogers Center and they participated in this afternoon’s workout. However, they didn’t receive confirmations that they’re on the Opening Day roster. Those conversations are on hold.

The assumptions are understandable, of course.

Matt Bowman and Roansy Contreras, the in-house competitors with Baker for the last bullpen spot, didn’t have lockers and they weren’t seen in the clubhouse or on the field.

Infielder Jorge Mateo was scheduled to get extra-strength doses of at-bats yesterday and today in Sarasota, and it’s conceivable that he arrives in Toronto later tonight or in the morning. Otherwise, Soto makes the club as the extra infielder and Mateo is placed on the injured list.

Mateo didn’t have a locker in the clubhouse.

“I’m here, that’s all I know,” Baker said with a laugh.

Can Baker allow himself to think that being with the team in Canada is good news? Does he dare do it?

“I think so, yeah,” he said. “I’d rather be here than anywhere else, so hopefully I’m ready to go tomorrow.”

The Orioles selected Bowman’s contract on Sunday, the deadline to opt out of his minor league deal, but they didn’t finalize the 26-man roster. Baker remained in play.

He didn’t remain in Sarasota.

“I think that just comes with the territory a little bit,” Baker said of the stressful last couple of days. “But I try not to think about my own situation too much. It’s more about the team as a whole. So whatever happens happens. But in terms of us being in the right spot going into the season as a unit, I think we’re in a good spot. So I think making sure we get everybody healthy and back to square one is gonna be important, and you obviously have a lot of guys coming back from different stuff. But just having options, there’s so many good players in this room.

“I think we’re in a good spot going into this year and hopefully we can have some fun out there.”

Getting outs is a lot more enjoyable and Baker did that with his fastball velocity bumped to 98 mph and the new grip on his changeup making it a more effective pitch. He retired the first nine batters he faced, was scored upon in three of his next four appearances – including the three-homer game against the Twins – and retired the side in order against the Pirates while contributing to the combined no-hitter in Bradenton.

“I think it was overall positive for me,” he said. “I improved, and hopefully continue improving and hopefully help this team.”

Baker’s velo usually peaks in June or July, but he got an early start on it in camp.

“Hopefully I continue throwing harder as the season goes on, like I usually do,” he said. “I’m starting in a lot better spot than I normally do. The velocity is great. I feel like everything got better a little bit, to be honest. Throwing more strikes and just getting ahead of guys.

“I think I’ve got the tools to be successful. Just a matter of executing and using them the right way.”

Soto took ground balls at shortstop, shagged fly balls and was in the last hitting group. He was among the most productive hitters in camp with a .395/.458/.488 line in 18 games and won the competition among non-roster infielders as Gunnar Henderson’s replacement while the All-Star recovered from a strained right intercostal.

His first appearance on an Opening Day roster is within reach, but the Orioles could snatch it away. It won’t come true until he hears it from manager Brandon Hyde.

“I’m not sure, but I’m prepared,” Soto said via interpreter Brandon Quinones. “I’m prepared that if they need me tomorrow, I’m ready to go. Just waiting.

“I think I did a good job. I think I did everything that I needed to do. I feel really happy with the way I played. I think at this point it’s their decision to make and we’ll see how content and how satisfied they feel on their end, but I do feel happy with where I’m at and the way I was able to play and what I was able to prove.”

The honor would be as much a validation of Soto’s perseverance as his production level. He was selected off waivers four times between February-April 2024, twice by the Orioles, and they got him from the Reds in a July 30 trade and optioned him.

Soto was designated for assignment, outrighted and invited to camp. Now he could be introduced Thursday in front of a capacity crowd.

“I feel incredible and I want to actually applaud myself for being in this position,” he said. “Obviously, last year’s a difficult year just with the ups and downs, but I think being here in this position now competing for an Opening Day roster spot, it means a lot and I’m really happy that I get to be in this position. Just really proud of myself for all the hard work.”

Jackson Holliday joined Soto at shortstop for fielding practice. Jordan Westburg was at second base, Ramón Urías was at third, and Ryan Mountcastle and Ryan O’Hearn were at first.

* Hyde is expected to reveal Thursday whether Dean Kremer or Tomoyuki Sugano is the No. 3 starter after he confirmed Zach Eflin and Charlie Morton for the first two games of the series and Cade Povich for the home opener on March 31. Kremer was expected to pitch before Sugano based on major league experience, but it isn’t official.

Kremer struck out 10 Braves hitters in 5 1/3 innings Sunday in North Port.

Albert Suárez is assigned to the bullpen after entering spring training with an edge over Povich, and Grayson Rodriguez’s triceps/elbow inflammation creating a spot in the rotation. Rodriguez didn't speak with the media today, but he's expected to throw in the bullpen at Rogers Centre.

“I was happy because I think this is the first time I made the team out of camp, so I was happy regardless,” Suárez said.

“It means a lot, I’m happy to be able to make the team. I’m always ready to help the team in any situation. For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m starting or in the bullpen. I’m focused on helping the team.”

* Triple-A Norfolk announced its break-camp roster:

Pitchers
Raúl Alcantara
Justin Armbruester
Kyle Brnovich
Luis González
Corbin Martin
Rodolfo Martinez
Nick Richmond
Colin Selby
Kade Strowd
Carlos Tavera
Thaddeus Ward
Nathan Webb
Cameron Weston
Brandon Young

Infielders
TT Bowens
Nick Gordon
Vimael Machín
Terrin Vavra
Coby Mayo
Luis Vázquez

Outfielders
Dylan Beavers
Daz Cameron
Dylan Carlson
Jud Fabian

Catchers
Samuel Basallo
Connor Pavolony
Maverick Handley

Catcher David Bañuelos is on the Orioles taxi squad.

Update: Dean Kremer is starting the third game and Sugano is starting the fourth.