More thoughts on the rotation and some of its candidates

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles will play two games today, but only one counts in the fake standings.

Miguel Castro is starting a B game in the morning on Field 4, the Camden Yards replica with the batter's eye that's still under construction. So is the rotation and Castro wants to join it, but first he must prove that his knees and back are fine and he no longer has to be treated with such care.

It's early to suggest that anyone has really fallen behind, but it's a shorter spring training and Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. is making a favorable impression following the one he left in minicamp. The assortment of pitches and arm angles, the confidence, the attitude. He doesn't throw hard and will need everything working for him, which is asking a lot, but he keeps winning at every level.

Castro needs to plow through today's B game against the Pirates and make his pitch, so to speak, for the fifth spot - if it remains available to the in-house candidates.

Mike Wright Jr. also is in the mix and he's allowed one run and two hits in four innings. He isn't shying away from the competition. He actually seems invigorated by it - along with having no more minor league options hovering over him.

Gabriel Ynoa's next start is Sunday against the Red Sox in Sarasota. He allowed one run and struck out four batters over two innings in his debut against the same opponent in Fort Myers.

Manager Buck Showalter is trying to shield certain starters from division opponents and the Twins, who visit Camden Yards on opening day. Ynoa will have back-to-back outings against the Red Sox. Should we read anything into it?

The Orioles need to start making cuts, especially with 37 pitchers in camp, and allow Showalter and pitching coach Roger McDowell to stretch out the starters. They can't be restricted to two-inning appearances much longer.

Dylan Bundy is making his second Grapefruit League start today and he'd welcome a do-over after Saturday's split-squad outing against the Phillies in Clearwater. He was charged with five runs and four hits with three walks over two innings and he stayed in the game for 49 pitches.

The governors really are off.

Catcher Jesus Alfaro hit a grand slam off Bundy that Showalter described as wind-blown - I wasn't there because the Orioles were playing at home later that night - and the plate umpire apparently forgot how to call strikes. The man who walked three batters is getting a free pass.

Bundy already made his favorable impression a long time ago, and not strictly with his right arm.

"He's got a good feel for his surroundings," Showalter said. "He's mature baseball-wise. Dylan makes good decisions. He's very focused. He knows what it calls for and he's not a guy I worry about getting ready and being prepared and knowing he won't be surprised by something. He's always a proactive guy. He likes preparing and he likes game day, too."

Chris Tillman will throw a two-inning simulated game on Saturday, just as Andrew Cashner did yesterday while facing Mark Trumbo, Tim Beckham and Craig Gentry. Casher will go three innings Tuesday in another sim game.

We'll just assume that they're going to pitch in Grapefruit League games before breaking camp.

Showalter was impressed that Cashner displayed the same aggression in yesterday's sim game as he would in the regular season. He didn't go through the motions. He wanted outs and whatever kindling he could produce out of a couple bats.

Bundy and Kevin Gausman already have been drawn to Cashner, beginning with their attendance at his first bullpen session following his agreement on a two-year, $16 million contract. He's taking an immediate leadership role.

"Proven veteran. That's what I like," said center fielder Adam Jones.

"I got some info on him from previous players and heard nothing but good things about him. Read what (Brad) Brach said about him and actually played with him. Said he's a fierce competitor. That's all I want to hear is somebody that's going to compete for us."