Gabriel Ynoa scratched from Saturday start

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 09, 2018, 4:08am

Comments

SARASOTA, Fla. - Right-hander Gabriel Ynoa is unable to make his scheduled start on Saturday against the Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium.

An MRI on Ynoa's shins revealed a "stress reaction," which we're told shouldn't be confused with a fracture.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said yesterday that Ynoa has been bothered by shin splints, which led the team to arrange an MRI in the late afternoon. Ynoa is out of minor league options and competing for a spot in the rotation or bullpen.

Ynoa has allowed seven runs and nine hits over four innings in his two outings.

Left-hander Jayson Aquino will make Saturday's start, his first this spring. Aquino has allowed one unearned run over three innings in his two appearances.

Meanwhile, closer Zach Britton will throw again today on flat ground while continuing to wear a protective boot as a precaution. He's also been running - sans boot - on the underwater treadmill.

Britton expects to begin throwing without the boot next week.

Chris Tillman was pleased with yesterday's simulated game, though he said that he needs more work from the stretch. He threw 61 pitches over three innings.

Tillman expects his next start also to be in a simulated game instead of the Grapefruit League.