News Update: Morton named Orioles’ starter for second game, updates on Henderson, Bautista, Rodriguez and more

SARASOTA, Fla. – Charlie Morton will start the second game of the season on March 28 against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Two-thirds of the rotation is confirmed.

Zach Eflin is the Opening Day starter on March 27. Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano, who pitches tonight, will slot further down.

Morton, 41, has tossed six scoreless innings in his three spring starts. He signed a $15 million contract in January and is entering his 18th major league season.

Morton named Orioles' starter for second game, updates on Henderson,  Bautista, Rodriguez and more - Blog

“He’s been everything,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He’s been an amazing influence on our team so far already. Just with his interactions with guys. He’s throwing the ball extremely well, he looks great. That’s just Charlie Morton.

“The stuff he’s thrown out every time out has been really good. He’s brought a lot to our team already.”

Shortstop Gunnar Henderson worked out again today and is taking batting practice, but he hasn’t played since Feb. 27 due to a strained right intercostal. Four exhibition games remain after tonight, including Monday afternoon in D.C.

“We’re still hopeful, but we are running out of time right now,” Hyde said. “We haven’t made a final decision on that.”

Livan Soto could head to Toronto if Henderson isn’t ready. He’s 15-for-37 (.405) with a .990 OPS in 15 games and he’s able to play shortstop. Vimael Machín’s best position is second base.

Félix Bautista hasn’t appeared in a game since Friday against the Twins, but he’s thrown on the back fields. His status also remains uncertain.

Hyde said “no” when asked whether he’s confident that Bautista will be on the Opening Day roster.

“We’re still talking about our roster,” Hyde added. “We haven’t solidified anything there yet.”

There’s a possibility that a third bullpen spot opens if Bautista is removed from it and Albert Suárez replaces Grayson Rodriguez in the rotation.

Andrew Kittredge will go on the injured list and could miss at least two months after undergoing cartilage repair surgery on his left knee.

Rodriguez played catch for the second time, following up Tuesday’s flat-ground session.

Corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera said his left shoulder is feeling better but he remains unavailable to play. He wasn’t expected to make the team and he’s out of options.

Relievers behind Sugano tonight include Keegan Akin, Matt Bowman and Seranthony Domínguez.

Eflin makes his final exhibition start Saturday afternoon against the Pirates – and Paul Skenes again – in Bradenton.

Related Posts

🚨 BREAKING ANOTHER MAJOR BLOW HITS BOSTON — Red Sox fans are anxiously searching for answers after Trevor Story’s sudden injury situation reportedly forced the veteran infielder toward the injured list, creating fresh concern about the stability of Boston’s infield at a critical point in the season 👀💔👇👇👇

RED SOX DISASTER GROWS: TREVOR STORY HEADED TO INJURED LIST AS BOSTON’S NIGHTMARE SEASON CONTINUES TO SPIRAL The nightmare season for the Boston Red Sox just took…

🚨 BREAKING PAUL O’NEILL JUST TOUCHED THE HEART OF NEW YORK — Yankees legend Paul O’Neill has reportedly donated $300,000 to a cancer relief fund in an emotional gesture that is bringing the Bronx to tears, with fans everywhere deeply moved after his powerful words: “I understand what that pain feels like…” 👀💔👇👇👇

In a moment that silenced the baseball world, Paul O’Neill — a legend associated with the golden age of the New York Yankees — announced a $300,000…

Gіаntѕ Predіcted To End Fаіled Rаfаel Deverѕ Exрerіment

іMаGe: аtlаntа Brаveѕ cаtcher ѕeаn Murрhy (12) lookѕ аt the ѕаn Frаncіѕco Gіаntѕ dugout аfter beіng hіt by а ріtch іn the fіrѕt іnnіng аt Truіѕt раrk….

🚨 BREAKING ALEX BREGMAN JUST SENT SHOCKWAVES THROUGH MLB — In a move nobody saw coming, Alex Bregman has reportedly rejected a massive $107 million offer and declared that the Chicago Cubs will be his “final stop,” instantly igniting chaos across baseball as Cubs fans begin dreaming of a new championship era at Wrigley 👀🔥👇👇👇

One of the most shocking stories of the season broke out when Alex Bregman reportedly rejected a massive $107 million offer from the Houston Astros, simultaneously making…

Boston Red Sox on Verge of Getting Key Hurler Back From IL

ѕeр 20, 2019; ѕt. рeterѕburg, FL, Uѕа; а detаіl vіew of Boѕton Red ѕox hаtѕ аnd gloveѕ аt Troріcаnа Fіeld. Mаndаtory Credіt: Kіm Klement-іmаgn іmаgeѕ | Kіm…

Aѕtroѕ Mаy Hаve No Choіce but To Trаde Thіѕ Relіever

Generаl vіew of а Houѕton аѕtroѕ cар аnd glove. | Ron Chenoy-іmаgn іmаgeѕ Two thіngѕ cаn be true аt once: There іѕ ѕtіll а lot of tіme…