Orioles' Bryan Ramos trade pushes former utility man to Cardinals

With Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg dealing with injuries that will likely have them sidelined beyond Opening Day, there was speculation that the Baltimore Orioles could turn to a reunion with free-agent infielder Ramon Urias. Instead, the Orioles brought back Bryan Ramos after losing him to the Cardinals weeks before. In parting with Ramos, the Cardinals opened up a spot for the former Orioles utility man.

The Cardinals signed Urias to a one-year deal over the weekend. The Cardinals are in the first year of a rebuild under Chaim Bloom, so chances are Urias will find himself on the trade market if he has any success during the opening months of the season.

One would think that had the Orioles had an offer on the table (even if it was a minor-league deal), Urias likely would have sought out a return to Baltimore as opposed to a move to St. Louis.

Orioles' passing on Ramon Urias could provide a clue into how the team will handle Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg

The recent injuries to Holliday and Westburg have thrown the Orioles' infield into a state of flux. Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson are anchored at first base and shortstop, respectively, but Baltimore will need to patch together a plan at second base and third base.

Of the two, Holliday will likely miss the least amount of time. Still, it would seem likely that second base duties are split up between Blaze Alexander and Jeremiah Jackson. While Ramos could sneak his way onto the Opening Day roster, he's out of minor-league options. Coby Mayo seems to be the answer at third base.

As of now, the Orioles have only planned for Westburg missing the first month of the regular season. There remains a chance that the 27-year-old will wind up needing surgery and miss the entire season, but as of yet, it doesn't sound like Mike Elias and Co. are eager to add external solutions for their need at third base.

Rather than wait for the Orioles to change their approach, that could explain why Urias took a guaranteed deal with the Cardinals instead of lingering on the free-agent market to open the season.