Harvey injury leaves Hyde with bullpen choices

The likelihood of Hunter Harvey going on the injured list prior to opening day creates the latest curiosity in Orioles spring training.

Exactly how the Orioles choose to replace him in the bullpen.

Hyde could pivot and carry an extra bulk-type reliever rather than concentrate on a back end, one-inning type. The latter scenario would appear to make more sense with the team prioritizing length and having an abundance of candidates to fit the description.

Folding another closer candidate into the mix seems unnecessary, but not out of the question, on a rebuilding club that could hand the ball to the likes of Tanner Scott, César Valdez, Cole Sulser or anyone else who's available and trusted in particular matchups to get three outs.

Borderline long relief options such as Bruce Zimmermann, Thomas Eshelman and Ashton Goudeau could see their odds improving. Wade LeBlanc could more easily fit if he isn't a starter.

At least in theory, take the length and fewer touches of the baton.

"I think either," Hyde said in his Zoom call. "We'll address the pitching situation when it comes closer to when we break, but I think we could see another short-inning bullpen guy or a guy who can give us length out of the bullpen. Either one."

Rule 5 picks Mac Sceroler and Tyler Wells could have extended stays in camp. Perhaps one of them sneaks onto the roster. Hyde isn't eliminating them.

"Potentially, because (the injury) opens up a spot in our pitching staff," Hyde said. "Could be a Rule 5 guy, could be somebody else."

Harvey is being re-evaluated today. Chris Davis continues to receive treatment on his lower back. DJ Stewart's hamstring is improving and he could play later next week.

Goudeau is slated to pitch today, his second appearance after throwing two scoreless innings. Needless to say (but here it is), every opportunity is critical for him.

Relievers behind LeBlanc today also include Scott, Eric Hanhold, Conner Greene, Cody Carroll and Spenser Watkins.

The travel roster includes catchers Adley Rutschman and Maverick Handley, infielders Terrin Vavra and Mason McCoy, and outfielder Ryan McKenna.

Today's game is eight innings.

Dean Kremer starts Sunday afternoon against the Tigers in Lakeland. The Tigers are starting right-hander Spencer Turnbull.

Hyde said he'll wait until the last few days of camp to decide on five or six starters on the opening day roster. Too many candidates remain at the complex.

Pitching prospects Zac Lowther, Michael Baumann, Alexander Wells and Isaac Mattson weren't going to make the club out of spring training. An oblique injury shelved Wells. The others had limited chances with games shortened and the elimination of split-squads.

"They threw quite a bit on the back fields," Hyde said.

"All the guys who went down, we just feel like needed to get either stretched out or needed to face hitters in a different environment. Right now we're kind of limited innings-wise because we're stretching out so many starters and so many people that we're running out of innings in-game, so this is an opportunity to get them more work in more game action down there."

For the Blue Jays
George Springer CF
Marcus Semien 2B
Bo Bichette SS
Teoscar Hernández LF
Rowdy Tellez 1B
Randal Grichuk RF
Cavan Biggio 3B
Alejandro Kirk C
Gabriel Moreno DH

Robbie Ray LHP