Latest round of roster cuts gives clarity on Orioles' Opening Day plans

On Monday afternoon, the Orioles announced a group of roster moves that gives us quite a bit more clarity on their plans for Opening Day. The most obvious move was getting RHP Kyle Gibson down to minor league camp where he can stretch out and prepare for 2025. As of now, the plan is for Gibson to be ready around the end of April.

In addition to Gibson, a trio of infielders was optioned down, including a couple dark-horse candidates to make the roster out of camp. Specifically, second baseman Vimael Machín was dropped, which maybe isn't a big surprise as he's not on the 40-man. Machín had himself an outstanding spring, hitting .400/.438/.578 in 48 plate appearances. The Orioles gave Machín every opportunity to prove himself and though he did just that, he'll start the year in Norfolk.

Emmanuel Rivera and Luis Vázquez will join Machín in Triple-A. Rivera has been dealing with a shoulder injury and hasn't appeared in any games in nearly two weeks. Vázquez hit well but he was outplayed by fellow shortstop Livan Soto this spring. The latter remains with the big league club and it's likely going to come down to one of Soto or Jorge Mateo for the final infield spot on Opening Day.

Latest Orioles roster cuts give clarity in regards to Opening Day plans

That final battle hinges on whether Mateo is deemed healthy for Thursday's matchup. He's struggled at the plate in very limited time, but he's also coming off major elbow surgery. Mateo underwent UCL surgery using the internal brace procedure, along with a flexor tendon repair after injuring his elbow last summer. If Mateo is healthy, the Orioles will surely have him up. However, if he has to go on the IL to start the year, we'll see Soto with the major league club.

All that said, it'll be interesting to see how Brandon Hyde builds the lineup in the absence of Gunnar Henderson. While the Orioles have used Jackson Holliday quite a bit at shortstop, one would have to think that either Mateo or Soto would play short if one of them is on the roster. However, if Mateo is still having trouble with his arm, he could be shifted to second while Holliday plays short. Ramón Urías will be free to cover second and third base in this scenario.

Lastly, catcher Maverick Handley was optioned to minor league camp as part of the roster crunch. He wasn't expected to make the roster, given that Gary Sanchez is set to cover backup catching duties this year.