Notes on Brugman, Ynoa and Hays

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles continue to hold a locker for outfielder Jaycob Brugman inside their clubhouse at the Ed Smith Stadium complex and a team official said they should know his status "in the next day or so."

Brugman was designated for assignment on Wednesday to create a spot for starter Chris Tillman on the 40-man roster, a surprising move considering the need for left-handed hitting outfielders and the presence of 37 pitchers in camp.

Colby Rasmus and Alex Presley have signed minor league contracts, but Brugman would provide depth. He has minor league options and could settle into the outfield at Triple-A Norfolk.

Brugman, 26, owns a career .344 on-base percentage in five minor league seasons, which brings significant appeal to the Orioles, and he can play all three outfield positions, with most of his experience in center field. His limited speed makes him profile more for the corners.

The Orioles acquired Brugman from the Athletics on Nov. 22 for a player to be named, minor league pitcher Jacob Bray, a former 12th round pick who was 2-5 with a 3.88 ERA and 18 saves in 23 opportunities over 43 appearances at Single-A Delmarva.

Brugman's designation also was unexpected because the Orioles surrendered a player for him. Another official sounded hopeful that they could keep him.

"I was excited for a new opportunity," Brugman said at FanFest. "It's always fun to meet new people and get a change of scenery, so I'm excited."

The question now is whether his scenery is going to change again.

Asked to describe himself as a player, Brugman replied, "Well-rounded, contribute to all aspects of the game."

"I like to think that I am a good defender and at the same time can get on base, whether it's leadoff or the nine-hole," he said. "I like to be on base and I like to work the counts. Kind of a pest for the pitchers. I kind of like that. I like that battle, the competition. For me, if I can give my all and put everything on the field, that's all I can ask for and that's all I want to give."

* Gabriel Ynoa gets the start for the Orioles today against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, while Miguel Castro receives treatment for tendinitis in both knees.

Ynoa is out of options and a longshot to make the club as a starter or reliever. Of course, a dominant spring could force the Orioles to find a spot for him. They'll keep an open mind with a vacancy at the back of the rotation and three in the bullpen.

Working against Ynoa is the presence of three Rule 5 pitchers. The Orioles really like them and keeping even two puts a tighter squeeze on him.

* As I wrote last night, Austin Hays will serve as the designated hitter today now that he's recovered from soreness in his lat muscle.

Hays went 2-for-3 with a triple and run scored in Thursday's intrasquad game. He was listed among the reserves for Friday's exhibition opener, but didn't play. He wasn't on either lineup card yesterday for the split-squad games, which didn't go unnoticed by fans.

Manager Buck Showalter didn't realize that he hadn't passed along an update on Hays until asked about him last night. He apologized and mentioned the lat.

Showalter said Hays could have played yesterday, but the club wanted to give him one more day. He took batting practice and seemed to be fine.