This, that and the other

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles won’t pinch-hit for Adley Rutschman during the regular season, but the many differences and oddities in spring training sent Vimael Machín to the plate for the All-Star catcher in the fourth inning of Thursday night’s game against the Pirates.

Machín struck out, which also seemed unusual because he’s been on fire.

A second at-bat produced a fly ball to the center field fence, an extremely long out influenced perhaps by the wind, and a third resulted in a line drive single to right.

Last night’s game in Lakeland began with Machín batting .500 (9-for-18) with a double, home run, five RBIs, two walks and a 1.272 OPS. No one had more hits, a higher average and OPS, or appeared in more games than Machín’s 10.

Coming off the bench late, Machín singled in the ninth inning to start a three-run rally. He’s 10-for-19 and one of the most impressive players in camp.

“Machín is having a heck of a spring,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He’s one of those guys that’s an NRI (non-roster invitee) who’s playing on most nights, the back half of the game, and doing something every time he plays – really well defensively, and then getting a hit or two. Could have had a homer (Thursday). He’s been playing outstanding.”

The five RBIs are tied with Heston Kjerstad, Samuel Basallo and another non-roster infielder, Luis Vázquez, for most on the club. Vázquez is getting extra starts at shortstop with Gunnar Henderson unavailable due to a strained right intercostal, and his play at the position has been exceptional. He’s raced into shallow center field to make an over-the-shoulder catch, he’s made a sliding stop and throw to get the out at first base, and he fielded a grounder Thursday, raced to the bag and turned the double play as Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s hard slide caused him to flip upside down in the air.

“He plays great defense” Hyde said.

The infield depth is evident and it’s necessary with Henderson’s uncertain status. Liván Soto went 0-for-3 last night but is 7-for-18. Ramón Urías singled last night in the first inning at 101 mph and is 5-for-15 with a double and home run.

"They're all hitting like crazy, right?” said Urías, who started at third base. “They're having a great spring training. And that's what they're here for, to push the other guys to be better."

* Rutschman must have heard the talk about his opposite-field approach and decided to throw a curveball.

Rutchman pulled a high fastball over the right field fence Monday in Sarasota and lined a single into right Wednesday before Colton Cowser’s tie-breaking single in the third inning.

To keep everyone on their toes, Rutschman poked a run-scoring single into left field from the left side of the plate in the fifth inning, and he reached Thursday night on a slow ground ball to third.

Teams can’t stop or contain him. They can’t figure out how to pitch him.

Whatever direction he chooses, Rutschman is looking great at the plate. It’s more than just a catchy rhyme.

“It’s his posture,” Hyde said. “He’s not getting beat and going uphill. He’s more staying definitely flatter through the zone.”

* Jackson Holliday could get some work at shortstop, but he played a sharp second base last night.

Holliday made a sliding stop on one play and had a nice backhand stop and throw across his body to record another out. He also had a leadoff single.

“Much better angles, feeling way more comfortable defensively,” Hyde said.

“I like the way he’s playing the game right now. Hit in the first inning, goes first to third. He’s running aggressively. And he’s playing well defensively.”

* The Orioles are still waiting for Coby Mayo to bust out.

Mayo bounced into a force last night and struck out twice. He’s 1-for-23 with seven strikeouts and a few line drives that found gloves.

“I think he’s a great talent,” Urías said. “He’ll be able to show it.”