Orioles release 2024 AL Wild Card roster ahead of matchup with Royals

The Orioles have officially released their roster for the 2024 AL Wild Card series set to kick off later this afternoon. Perhaps unfortunately, there aren't any major surprise decisions here. After Albert Suarez pitched against the Twins on Sunday, it was expected that he'd be left off the Wild Card roster. The Orioles clearly didn't want him to pitch on short rest and feel comfortable with their other relief options.

As far as the offense goes, the group will mimic basically what it's been for the second half of the year. Thankfully the Orioles have All Star Jordan Westburg back from injury. His presence in the lineup should make a big difference in this series.

It was speculated over the last two weeks that the Orioles might choose to leave Jackson Holliday off the roster thanks to his struggles at the plate in the second half. He's hitting just .189/.255/.311 on the yea, which just hasn't been good enough.

However, the Orioles felt that he provides enough value as a defender and baserunner that it's worthwhile to keep him on the roster for the upcoming series.

The only other partial surprise is the decision to leave right handed reliever Matt Bowman off the roster. Bowman has a 3.45 ERA across 15.2 innings with the Orioles this year and has been as reliable as anyone else in the bullpen over the last month.

However, Bowman isn't a strikeout specialist. He's notched just 14 strikeouts in 15 appearances, good for an 18.2% K rate with the Birds. Ultimately, strikeouts are the best outcome for pitchers, and that's elevated in high leverage spots. It feels strange that Bowman has gotten such good results but will be staying home, but that might be the best decision for this team. We'll see how it plays out.

All told, this is a strong group and Orioles fans should feel confident in this team's ability to compete and win this series. We have two elite starting pitchers going the next two days and the offense has looked better over the past week. Good vibes today!

Here's the full roster:

Orioles pitchers on the AL Wild Card roster

• Keegan Akin, LHP
• Corbin Burnes, RHP
• Yennier Cano, RHP
• Danny Coulombe, LHP
• Seranthony Dominguez, RHP
• Zach Eflin, RHP
• Dean Kremer, RHP
• Cionel Perez, LHP
• Cade Povich, LHP
• Colin Selby, RHP
• Gregory Soto, LHP
• Jacob Webb, RHP

Orioles hitters on the AL Wild Card roster

• James McCann, C
• Adley Rutschman, C
• Gunnar Henderson, INF
• Jackson Holliday, INF
• Ryan Mountcastle, INF
• Ryan O'Hearn, INF
• Emmanuel Rivera, INF
• Ramon Urias, INF
• Jordan Westburg, INF
• Colton Cowser, OF
• Heston Kjerstad, OF
• Cedric Mullins, OF
• Anthony Santander, OF
• Austin Slater, OF