Looking back on yesterday's performances

SARASOTA, Fla. - How are we supposed to miss Manny Machado and Welington Castillo if they don't go away?

But seriously, both Orioles are back at Ed Smith Stadium today with the Dominican Republic team that's competing in the World Baseball Classic. It should be an enjoyable exhibition, with Kevin Gausman facing teammates that are part of a star-studded lineup.

This is one visiting team that's not bringing a bus filled with minor leaguers.

The Orioles have won their last three games, defeating the Tigers yesterday 7-2 in Lakeland. Dylan Bundy's fastball topped out at 94 mph, but most impressive was the way he used his secondary pitches, getting strikeouts with his curveball and changeup and feeling more comfortable with his cutter/slider.

Jesus Liranzo touched 98 mph a day short of his 22nd birthday. He allowed one hit, to Dixon Machado, and struck out Brendan Ryan in a scoreless eighth inning.

Liranzo hasn't surrendered a run in four appearances over four innings. Yesterday marked the first time that he's given up a hit. Opponents are hitting .083 against him, but he's walked four batters.

Poor Austin Wynns. He convinces the Orioles that his ankle is healed after injuring it in the Dominican Winter League, he reports to major league camp yesterday and makes the trip to Lakeland, he catches the ninth inning and his name doesn't appear in the box score.

It would have made a nice souvenir.

The Orioles are aware of the omission and will make sure it's corrected. They've already had to get Jed Bradley's scoreless inning in Bradenton in the Grapefruit League stats after it was credited to Zach Stewart.

Trey Mancini's double yesterday gave him four RBIs, tying Adam Jones for the team lead. Six players have three RBIs: Johnny Giavotella, Chris Johnson, Logan Schafer, Rule 5 picks Aneury Tavárez and Anthony Santander, and Sean Coyle. Coyle is stationed at minor league camp, but he's wearing a path to the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

Mancini has three doubles, tied with Castillo for second on the team behind Johnson (four). He's 7-for-20 (.350) and doing exactly what the Orioles want from him.

Force them into a really, really tough decision.

The Orioles could carry an extra position player or two on opening day if they go with a reduced pitching staff, and it may be the only way that Mancini heads north. He deserves to stay in the majors, but I'm wondering how he'd fit on a four-man bench if manager Buck Showalter needs Joey Rickard and Craig Gentry to serve as the right-handed half of corner outfield platoons.

It could work if Mark Trumbo is the right fielder against left-handers and Mancini can be the designated hitter, but Gentry's defense and speed are coveted. And what about the Rule 5 guys?

Competition is a good thing, but it also creates headaches and heartbreaks.