Orioles announce five camp roster cuts

The Orioles are chipping away at their camp roster. They've gotten it down to 36 players.

Veteran starter Kyle Gibson was optioned today to minor league camp after the Orioles signed him last week to a one-year deal. He was staying back in Sarasota, and manager Brandon Hyde told the media in D.C. that the ramp-up hopefully will have Gibson ready around May 1.

Catcher Maverick Handley and infielders Vimael Machín, Emmanuel Rivera and Luis Vázquez were reassigned to minor league camp.

None of these moves are unexpected. The Orioles are set behind the plate with Adley Rutschman and Gary Sánchez, who stayed healthy through camp. Livan Soto appeared to have an edge in the battle to replace injured shortstop Gunnar Henderson unless Jorge Mateo is deemed ready to play on Opening Day.

Mateo remains in Sarasota and is receiving heavy doses of at-bats over the next two days before a decision is made on his availability. He could join the team in Toronto or remain at the complex.

Rivera hasn’t played since injuring his left shoulder during his third at-bat in Dunedin on May 13. He’s going on Triple-A Norfolk’s injured list after agreeing to a $1 million contract to avoid arbitration.

Machín and Vázquez couldn’t have done more to make the club. They were victims of the crunch but provide depth at multiple spots in the infield.

The Orioles signed Machín to a minor league deal in November after he spent the past two years playing independent ball in Mexico. His last major league game was in 2022 with the Athletics, but he didn’t stop hitting in spring training, going 18-for-43 (.419) with five doubles, a home run, 10 RBIs and 1.061 OPS.

No player appeared in more games that Machín’s 21, and he also led the club in hits and doubles. He tied Vázquez for second in RBIs behind Ryan Mountcastle’s 14.

Machín’s best position is second base, which hurt his chances with Henderson headed to the injured list. He didn’t get much of a look at short.

Vázquez, meanwhile, was exceptional at short after the Orioles acquired him from the Cubs on Jan. 31 for cash considerations, and he hit .325/.388/.400 (13-for-40) in 21 games.

The roster will be reduced more after the Orioles put Henderson and pitchers Grayson Rodriguez, Andrew Kittredge, Trevor Rogers and Chayce McDermott on the injured list. Relievers Matt Bowman, Bryan Baker and Roansy Contreras remain in the competition for one bullpen spot.

The Orioles must set their Opening Day roster by noon Thursday.