Orioles’ first spring training lineup could foreshadow early 2024 arrival for Jackson Holliday

Spring Training baseball is here. The Baltimore Orioles will play their first game since a disappointing end to 2023 by playing host to a division rival in the Boston Red Sox in Sarasota, both their home opener and spring opener.

It is customary that the first spring training game of the season doesn't usually feature a lot of players who are in the majors, as teams try to give their non roster invites more reps early. That's not the case for the Orioles, who have plenty of MLB talent in their first lineup of the spring.

Orioles starting lineup for spring opener vs Red Sox

The eye-raisers for the Orioles come in the infield alignment. While Ryan O'Hearn at first base is no surprise, it's worth noting that Jorge Mateo is at shortstop after manager Brandon Hyde said he would get lots of run in center field this spring as they try to develop him into a super utility player.

Ramón Urías manning third is also noteworthy. Though he did spend the strong majority of his time in the lineup at third last season, playing second base appears to be the most likely way for him to earn more playing time in 2024 as Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg also roam around the infield.

The big news comes in the form of Jackson Holliday at second base. Rated the top prospect in baseball, Holliday can certainly play shortstop, however Mike Elias said during the offseason he would get plenty of reps at second base as they try to maximize his chances of making the opening day roster.

This is also the debut of Corbin Burnes in an Orioles uniform. This isn't unexpected, as Hyde announced on Thursday that Burnes would be the guy, but it'll be fun to see the new ace of the Orioles toe the rubber for the first time. He'll throw at least two innings in this one.