Duquette on whether O's need shortstop: "We signed one just before camp opened"

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 30, 2015, 5:13pm

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated tonight that he's not in the market for another shortstop despite losing J.J. Hardy to a strained muscle in his left shoulder.

An MRI arthrogram this morning revealed the injury, termed a "subscapularis strain," and Hardy can't perform baseball activities for a minimum of 10 days.

Everth Cabrera, signed as a free agent on Feb. 25, started at shortstop today against the Rays in Port Charlotte and reached base four times on three singles and an error.

Duq Media 2.jpg Asked tonight whether he needs to acquire another shortstop, Duquette replied, "We signed one just before camp opened."

The Orioles also have Ryan Flaherty, who plays every infield position. Paul Janish and Jayson Nix remain on the spring roster.

"We have some qualified people that are in our camp that can play the position and have played it well in the big leagues," Duquette said.

It doesn't appear that the Orioles will consider moving Manny Machado to short.

"Manny is a huge plus at third base, but that's for Buck (Showalter) to decide. But Manny is a huge asset to the team at third base," Duquette said.

The Orioles are trying to swing at least one deal before breaking camp. They still have too many relievers to fit into a seven-man bullpen.

The Mets acquired two left-handed relievers today and figure to pass on Brian Matusz, who's available in the right deal.

"We're continuing dialogue with a number of clubs," Duquette said, "and hopefully we can do something so we can get the team organized the way we want it."