Orioles news: Coby Mayo survives a scare, Opening Day starter named, Machín stays hot

It looks like the Orioles might have survived a scare with Coby Mayo on Monday. The O's top prospect was removed from Monday's matchup after getting drilled in the hands by a pitch late in the game. There was some initial concern, and it's not a particularly fun place to be hit. Many players have suffered broken bones from being hit the way Mayo was.

However, manager Brandon Hyde spoke after the game and calmed fans' fears. Hyde told reporters that Mayo is doing okay. He mentioned that Mayo will be reevaluated later Tuesday morning but that he expects Mayo to be fine. The O's prospect is an unlikely bet to make the Opening Day roster but will surely be one of the first names called upon if the Orioles need someone to fill in.

In addition to Mayo, outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. and shortstop Luis Vasquez were also hit by pitches in Monday's game. Hyde spoke about the pair of them as well, and noted that there aren't any lingering concerns about the trio getting back into action immediately.

Orioles name Opening Day starter, matchup with Toronto set

Late last week, the Orioles announced that RHP Zach Eflin will officially start Opening Day in Toronto. It'll be the second straight year Eflin gets the nod on Opening Day, as he started the first game of the year with the Rays back in 2024.

The O's released an inspiring video of the breaking news. Eflin was informed by his wife and children, who were able to connect with him via video call. Watching Eflin's reaction as his daughters broke the news to him was a nice touch.

Eflin surely deserves the start given his performance with Baltimore after the trade. The 30 year old pitched to a 2.60 ERA in the 9 starts he made with the Orioles, and threw a gem of a start in his lone postseason start against the Royals.

Toronto has named their Opening Day starter as well. José Berríos will take the mound for the Jays. Berríos has been a consistent arm for years, though he's no longer considered a true ace. The Orioles should have a good chance to kick the year off on a strong note with a victory over the Jays in Toronto.

Orioles infielder Vimael Machín is on fire, and isn't showing signs of slowing down

Vimael Machín keeps on rolling, and at this rate it's not clear how the Orioles are going to avoid putting him on the Opening Day roster. Machín is hitting .412/.459/.588 across 18 games, showing decent enough infield defense and strong plate discipline.

With Gunnar Henderson expected to return to full health prior to Opening Day, fitting Machín onto the 26-man roster will be tricky. The O's surely won't want to add Machín just to ditch Ramón Urías but with Machín hitting as well as he is, it's going to put the O's in a tough spot. Machín has had major league chances previously and he's failed to stick. However, at this rate the Orioles might as well give him a shot and see what happens.