Expecting the unexpected with Orioles (updated)

The unpredictability of a team in a rebuild and its willingness to try just about anything should leave few surprises. Anything is possible in 2019. Always be ready for the unexpected.

Unless you're me.

I wasn't ready to see Anthony Santander become a regular in center field. Or in any spot after a lost 2018 season.

I wasn't ready to see Renato Núñez back at third base, especially with so much emphasis placed on improving the defense.

I wasn't ready to see Hanser Alberto leading the majors in batting average against left-handers. I wasn't ready to see Alberto at all after the Orioles designated him for assignment in spring training.

I wasn't ready to undergo a crash course in spelling Asher Wojciechowski's last name. Not after he opted out of his contract at Triple-A Norfolk last summer.

I wasn't ready for Wojciechowski to turn in the finest start for the Orioles this season with his six hitless innings.

I wasn't ready for the 40-man roster to include Wojciechowski, Tom Eshelman, Aaron Brooks, Tayler Scott and Chandler Shepherd.

(Shepherd started Wednesday night for Triple-A Norfolk and allowed six earned runs and eight total with 13 hits in five innings. He's 0-9 with an 8.39 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and .342 average against in 17 games between Norfolk and Triple-A Pawtucket.)

I wasn't ready for Stevie Wilkerson to make most of his starts in center field, by a very wide margin. And for Wilkerson's only infield work to come in six games at second base, including two starts. And for Wilkerson to pitch. Twice.

I wasn't ready for Wilkerson to become one of the team's best relievers.

Update: Three times. And he became the first position player in history last night to record a save in the Orioles' 10-8, 16-inning win.

I wasn't ready for John Means to be an All-Star. But I hadn't met this version of Means. Different pitcher after aspiring to outwork everyone over the winter. He's stumbled a bit coming out of the break, but should be fine.

I wasn't ready for Gabriel Ynoa to be in the bullpen, on the pitching staff or in the organization after 2018 concluded without him returning to the majors. I certainly didn't think he'd make seven starts.

I wasn't ready for Pedro Severino to slash .255/.329/.446 with nine home runs heading into last night's game after looking like an automatic out in D.C. But it should be noted that he was 3-for-26 in his last nine games with an at-bat.

Update II: Severino went 4-for-8 last night/this morning.

Going way back to Santander, it makes sense to check him out in center field and increase his value to the club. It has plenty of corner outfielders. It needs someone to claim the middle after Cedric Mullins was optioned and Keon Broxton was designated for assignment.

I wasn't ready to wonder whatever happened to Broxton.

Going back to Núñez, the roster could use the flexibility that comes with a rotating designated hitter. And Mark Trumbo's potential return is another reason to put Núñez in the field. He can't sit. Not with that bat. So check him out at third again and remove him again if his performance is a detriment.

I wasn't ready for this team to no longer have the worst record in baseball. Ten wins in 21 games before last night pushed the Orioles ahead of the Tigers.

Meanwhile, catcher Adley Rutschman still is expected to make his Maryland debut Saturday at short-season Single-A Aberdeen. Nothing has changed in the last two days.