Players unable to work out losing chance for opening day roster

Time is running out for players who can't participate in summer training camp to make the Orioles 30-man opening day roster.

Manager Brandon Hyde didn't reference outfielders Dwight Smith Jr. and Anthony Santander, who have been held out of workouts and intrasquad games - the assumption being that it's linked to COVID-19 testing - but there are 13 days left before the beginning of the season. Santander was projected to start in one of the corners and Smith had a shot at the other - or at least to serve in a reserve capacity.

Getting them ready now is going to be difficult and there's no indication that they're on the brink of receiving clearance.

"It's going to be challenging," Hyde said this afternoon in a Zoom conference call with the media. "I don't know. It's going to depend. To get somebody ready for opening day, I have no idea, to be honest with you."

The Orioles appear to be in the market for an outfielder, one reason why they're slow-playing the process of filling out their 60-player pool. MLB.com is reporting that they've made an offer to free agent Yasiel Puig.

The team won't comment on free agents.

Austin Hays and DJ Stewart, recovered from October ankle surgery, are the only true outfielders on the summer training camp roster who have been active. Trey Mancini will miss the 2020 season.

Mason Williams, Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle have been added to the pool, but are slated to work out at the alternate site in Bowie after it opens.

Super-utility options for the outfield include Stevie Wilkerson, Andrew Velazquez and Pat Valaika.

Shortstop Richie Martin injured his left hand last night while diving back into first base and colliding with Chris Davis. He lost a portion of his fingernail and has a laceration underneath.

"Obviously, his finger's very sore," Hyde said. "I wouldn't expect Richie to be out too long."

Pitcher Dillon Tate was hit on the right forearm by a Valaika comebacker and had a precautionary MRI this morning. The Orioles are waiting for the results.

"He's getting treatment in the trainers' room right now," Hyde said.

Pitcher Ty Blach is still bothered by elbow soreness and is being reevaluated today. He was a candidate for long relief if unable to crack the rotation.

"Besides that, not really sure, to be honest with you," Hyde said. "The elbow, he's got some inflammation and he's going to get it rechecked out today."

Shortstop José Iglesias didn't play last night while undergoing treatment for a sore back. He doubled twice in two at-bats Thursday, but ran gingerly to second base.

"Iglesias is feeling good," Hyde said. "The back felt better yesterday, it feels even better today. The other day he swung the bat really well and played really good defense. Just when he's running it's a little tender. Just want to get him as healthy as possible."

Hyde was asked for his opinion on the new extra-inning rule, with a runner placed at second base to duplicate the experiment in the minors.

"I've never seen it," he said. "I haven't been in the minor leagues to see it, I didn't see it in the World Baseball Classic. I know there's a lot of mixed reaction to it. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works. I think this is the year to try stuff. And I think it's going to be a nice experiment to see how it plays out.

"I am a little bit more traditional. I do like extra innings, but this is something creative to create more fan interest, to save pitching, which I'm all about. We'll see. I can't give an opinion because I've never seen it before."

MASNsports.com's Steve Melewski is handling intrasquad coverage tonight and there won't be extra innings. The games have lasted five innings, though Tate faced two batters last night in the top of the sixth and surrendered a home run to Rio Ruiz and was hit on the arm.

I'll be back at Camden Yards for Sunday afternoon's game.