Castro would find relief in throwing more strikes

The two scoreless innings that reliever Miguel Castro worked on Sept. 22 in New York might seem insignificant when cast in the overall picture. The Orioles were barreling toward another loss and destined to finish with the worst record in the majors and in franchise history. Seven batters faced after replacing starter David Hess in the sixth and just one hit allowed on a Gleyber Torres double that was followed by a passed ball and out at the plate on a fielder's choice.

But Castro lowered his ERA below 4.00 in what was to be his final appearance of the season, a sore knee keeping him off the mound and ensuring that he'd end on a high note.

Former manager Buck Showalter gave Castro one start for the second consecutive season and the right-hander responded on July 15 by allowing four runs on one hit and three walks over 2 2/3 innings before the Orioles rallied to defeat the Rangers 6-5. Castro had competed for a spot in the rotation in spring training, but he never seemed comfortable and posted a 6.39 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings.

New eyes will be fixed on Castro at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, where he's expecting to stay in his usual role.

"Right now I'm thinking of myself as a reliever, coming out of the bullpen and helping my team," he said at FanFest via translator Ramón Alarcón. "With the mindset to go to spring training, compete for a spot, make the team and help my team throughout the season."

The Orioles currently have two openings in the rotation behind - in whatever order - Dylan Bundy, Alex Cobb and Andrew Cashner. Hess and Yefry Ramírez would be the early favorites on paper to fill them. Castro is fine with staying out of the competition and just getting back to being a trustworthy innings-eater out of the 'pen.

The spring numbers didn't lie. Castro walked eight batters in exhibition games and averaged 5.2 walks per nine innings during the regular season.

"I want to work on all aspects of the game - the little things, the big things, to improve my command. I want to work on all the things," he said.

"This is a really important season and I want to help my team."

Castro didn't use the team's struggles as an excuse for his own shortcomings.

"No, no," he said. "There are ups and downs in this game, so the most important thing is to be focused and concentrated. I just want to work, compete and help my team in everything that I can."

The way Castro chooses to train over the winter isn't dependent on whether he's a starter or reliever.

"My plans stay the same," he said. "Continue to improve my body, continue to improve my mechanics and especially to improve my command."

Mychal Givens is expected to enter camp as the closer, leaving six bullpen spots if manager Brandon Hyde goes with a seven-man bullpen. Richard Bleier is confident that he'll be ready for opening day and could join Tanner Scott and Paul Fry in forming a southpaw trio. Including Castro and Mike Wright Jr., who's out of options, would leave one opening.

I chose Pedro Araujo for a national publication because he retains Rule 5 status for the first 17 days, but it doesn't make him a lock. And the equation is scrambled if the Orioles sign or trade for a veteran in their continuing search for pitching.

Donnie Hart remains on the 40-man roster and the list of non-roster invites includes left-hander Sean Gilmartin, who could nudge Scott or Fry. A healthy Bleier would seem to be untouchable in competition.

Does anyone know whether Jimmy Yacabonis is starting or relieving?

Would Ramírez or Hess move to the bullpen in long relief roles if failing to crack the rotation?