Notes on Orioles non-roster invitees who remain in camp and their chances to stick

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles made more roster cuts heading into their second off-day of the spring, getting down to 41 players. Six of them are non-roster invitees

None of the players in that latter group were expected to break camp with the team. Catcher Samuel Basallo is a high-profile prospect, tops in the organization, who had no chance at age 20 and with only 86 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. But he was fun while he lasted.

Who’s left?

Reliever Matt Bowman

The Orioles re-signed Bowman to a minor league contract on Dec. 23 after he declined an outright assignment a month earlier and elected free agency. He pitched for four teams last season. For a brief time he had none.

Bowman appeared in 15 games with the Orioles, his final stop, and registered a 3.45 ERA in 15 2/3 innings. He was the opener in the Sept. 28 game in Minnesota, tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

The bullpen was supposed to be too full for Bowman’s bid. He’s out of options, so being reassigned was the predicated outcome. And Bowman has an opt-out clause that can send him back into free agency.

And then this happened: Bowman allowed two earned runs in his first 6 2/3 innings and struck out 10 batters.

Bowman could provide some length, though he isn’t in the mold of a true long man. He’d probably have to beat out Bryan Baker unless Albert Suárez makes the rotation and a second spot is created.

“The September he had and what he did for us at the end of the year,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He gives you a unique look out of the bullpen and he’s been around for a while, so he knows how to pitch. Different than anybody else we have. He’s gonna be a decision at the end of camp.”

Infielder Vimael Machín

It’s gotten ridiculous. Machín will not stop hitting.

The guy hasn’t played in the majors since 2022, his third season with the Athletics. He leads the Orioles by appearing in 20 games and with his 16 hits in 39 at-bats for a .410 average. He had a .452 on-base percentage and .564 slugging.

In his only at-bat last night, he barreled another ball and lined out hard.

Monday afternoon’s game against the Red Sox in Fort Myers was typical. Two more hits, including a scorching line drive single to left field and an RBI single to center.  

Can he make the club? It remains a long shot even if Gunnar Henderson goes on the injured list. The Orioles have Livan Soto or Luis Vázquez to play shortstop, and they’re also having great camps. Hyde still lists Jorge Mateo as doubtful for Opening Day, but the speedy infielder is playing in games and Henderson is not.

Whatever the outcome, there isn’t anything else that Machín could do.

Infielder Luis Vázquez

Yes, let’s talk more about him.

Vázquez had three more hits and two RBIs Monday to leave him with a .306 average (11-for-36), a .364 on-base percentage and nine RBIs. He’s plays an exceptional shortstop, which Hyde has pointed out. And he also was removed from the 40-man roster.

The Orioles acquired Vázquez from the Cubs for cash considerations on Jan. 31. They designated him for assignment four days later after signing outfielder Ramón Laureano. Teams passed on him, and he became a late invitee.

Vázquez broke into the majors last season and appeared in 11 games. He deserves to build on that total in 2025.

Infielder Livan Soto

He does feel like the favorite to replace Henderson and there’s some familiarity with his arrival at the trade deadline. He went 3-for-13 and the Orioles liked what he did in the field, but he’s been optioned, recalled, designated for assignment, outrighted. It’s a volatile relationship.

Soto began last night with a .405 average (15-for-37), four doubles and a .990 OPS. Just when it appears that he’s out of their plans, he’s suddenly in the thick of the conversation.

My guess is he’s on the roster if Henderson is not. Just a guess, though.  

This is why baseball is so unpredictable. The roster appeared set a few weeks into camp. Only an injury or trade could shake it up. And then the injuries hit – Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, Andrew Kittredge – and the Orioles’ started sorting through their depth.

Infielder Emmanuel Rivera

Rivera appeared to be a possible non-tender and instead was the first guy to sign, agreeing to a $1 million contract. Teams passed after the Orioles put him on waivers and they outrighted him.

Rivera was good for them late last season with a .313/.370/.578 line, three doubles, a triple, four home runs and 14 RBIs in 27 games. He’s done well in spring training with nine hits in 30 at-bats (.300), including two doubles and two home runs. But he’s in the same predicament as Coby Mayo.

Being a corner infielder in camp doesn’t open doors without an injury or trade.

Rivera is out with a sore left shoulder, his last swings coming Thursday in Dunedin. It doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme. He’s out of options but no longer on the 40-man roster, so he’d appear headed to Triple-A.

Catcher Maverick Handley

Speaking of Triple-A …

Handley is the last catcher squatting who isn’t Adley Rutschman or Gary Sánchez. Only a late injury can save him, like that time Anthony Bemboom made the Opening Day roster when James McCann injured his oblique.

An early injury to Rutschman or Sánchez in the regular season could allow Handley to make his major league debut.