Hyde on pitching and infield decisions, and other notes

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde hasn't decided on 13 or 14 pitchers for the opening day roster, and whether he's carrying one or more super-utility players. But he knows what's required in order to make the setup work.

Anyone backing up in the infield obviously must be able to play shortstop and be trusted at the position, which gives an edge to Ramón Urías and Pat Valaika.

"For me, a true utility player is able to play short, is able to spell your shortstop, able to spell your second baseman, third baseman, possibly a corner outfield if need be," Hyde said today in his Zoom call.

"The more guys you have like that the better, and today's day, with the grind of the six-month season and the ability to try to give guys days off, you'd like to have as many guys as you can able to play multiple spots. You definitely need a backup shortstop and if it's a true utility guy, that's a bonus."

The total number of pitchers depends on how Hyde views his rotation and bullpen.

"There's a lot of factors whether we're taking 13 or 14 pitchers," Hyde said. "How we feel about our rotation and the length that those guys are going to give us, if we want to carry an extra bullpen arm, if we feel that we need an extra long guy. That's why we're trying to stretch out as many pitchers as we can.

"Kind of a difficult situation without minor league games. You guys aren't here, but there's a lot of sim games, a lot of back-field stuff going on to try to create as much flexibility we have with our pitching staff, just because of the COVID this year, as well as the shortened year last year. Not knowing how many innings guys can go this year. I think we're just preparing for everything, so whether we carry 13 or 14 at this point, just don't know."

Orioles pitchers listed today behind starter Félix Hernández are Jorge López, Dillon Tate, Evan Phillips, Konner Wade and Dusten Knight.

The travel roster also includes catchers Maverick Handley, Nick Ciuffo and Taylor Davis, infielders Rylan Bannon, Tyler Nevin, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg and Mason McCoy, and outfielder Ryan McKenna.

Left-hander John Means starts Friday afternoon against the Phillies in Sarasota. Zack Wheeler starts for the Phillies.

Left-hander Zac Lowther has been throwing on the back fields and will pitch this weekend.

Hyde said shortstop Freddy Galvis and second baseman Yolmer Sánchez will be paired in games more often in the last couple of weeks.

"They've been really fun to watch," Hyde said. "They've been working together a lot, getting to know each other. It looks like it's an easy transition for both of them.

"The work that they do, they are true pros. Those guys are professionals, they've been around pros, they've been doing this for a long time. They've been around good players and they know what it takes. Very, very pleased and happy with everything they've done so far in camp."

Catcher Austin Wynns isn't on the travel roster today and likely is going to be assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, but the Orioles appreciate the depth that he provides and his work and familiarity with the pitchers.

"I'm very comfortable with Austin," Hyde said. "Austin does a great job when it comes to the pitcher-catcher relationship. Pitchers really like to throw to him, he manages the game behind the plate very, very well. And I've been impressed with his at-bats. He gives you a good at-bat.

"A couple years ago when he was with us part-time, I thought the at-bats he took were competitive. It's not easy to have sporadic playing time and to go back behind the plate and not have an at-bat for a few days and go out and take a good at-bat, and Austin did that. I have confidence that he'll be able to do that again."

The Orioles signed their 33 pre-arbitration players to 2021 contracts, a spring training ritual:

Right-handers: Michael Baumann, Hunter Harvey, Dean Kremer, Travis Lakins Sr., Jorge López, Isaac Mattson, Mac Sceroler, Cole Sulser, Dillon Tate, César Valdez, Tyler Wells.

Left-handers: Keegan Akin, Paul Fry, Zac Lowther, John Means, Tanner Scott, Alexander Wells, Bruce Zimmermann.

Infielders: Rylan Bannon, Jahmai Jones, Richie Martin, Tyler Nevin, Rio Ruiz, Ramón Urías.

Outfielders: Yusniel Diaz, Austin Hays, Ryan McKenna, Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins, Chris Shaw, DJ Stewart.

Catchers: Chance Sisco, Austin Wynns.

For the Pirates
Adam Frazier 2B
Ke'Bryan Hayes 3B
Bryan Reynolds LF
Todd Frazier 1B
Phillip Evans RF
Jacob Stallings C
Erik Gonzalez SS
Anthony Alford CF
Andrew Susac DH

Mitch Keller RHP

The Orioles and Pirates are playing nine innings.