![\"Cowser](\"https:\/\/www.myhighplains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2023\/07\/64a644c7dbdcf7.50732385.jpeg?w=2560&h=1440&crop=1\")
<\/p>\nThe latest health updates on Orioles recovering from injuries or surgeries will be shared on the first day of spring training. Media access begins Feb. 13.<\/p>\n
Nothing passed along at this point has sounded the alarms.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Jorge Mateo seems to be the largest question mark regarding Opening Day availability as he recovers from Aug. 28 surgery to correct a dislocated left elbow. Executive vice president\/general manager Mike Elias said Thursday that Mateo\u2019s \u201cnot going to be a hundred percent citizen of spring training, but he\u2019ll be ramping up and we\u2019ll be able to address whether or not he\u2019s going to break for exact Opening Day a little bit later.\u201d<\/p>\n
That crowded infield might have found its solution. Too soon to know.<\/p>\n
Closer F\u00e9lix Bautista also needs to ramp up after reporting and is going to be on a slower spring pace than his teammates, but he\u2019s expected to be ready for March 27 in Toronto.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been in Sarasota the last couple weeks,\u201d manager Brandon Hyde said Friday during the Birdland Caravan. \u201cHe\u2019s been there. Fun to walk to walk in the clubhouse and seeing him in the training room and the weight room and throwing on the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe missed him obviously in a huge way last year. Loved when he was just around. Just him being around last year at times was a good feeling, but you wanted to put him in the game. Unfortunately, he had to go through what he had to go through rehab-wise, did an amazing job with that, and he looks great right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The greatness that he exhibited in 2023 before tearing the ligament in his right elbow hasn’t been forgotten. Players mention him when asked about their optimism for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n
Why is this year going to be better than the last two?<\/p>\n
“Well, I mean, F\u00e9lix Bautista’s back on our team, which is a massive thing,” said first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on F\u00e9lix. Obviously, he was the best pitcher in the world for a good stretch of 2023. That’s one that I’m really excited about.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, outfielder Colton Cowser is physically ready to start spring training on time.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, yes sir, I am,\u201d he said, chuckling at the shortness and direct path of his response.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre we good?\u201d<\/p>\n
Funny guy.<\/p>\n
While hitters are celebrating the decision to move in the left field wall, Cowser is the guy who\u2019s mainly got to adjust to it defensively. He made 91 starts among his 109 appearances in left last season. He\u2019s still going to get most of the reps there while also shouldering a backup role in center field.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think when it comes to the wall, the way it was, it was just one of those situations where you kind of knew where a ball was gonna get out in that ballpark,\u201d he said. \u201cThere was more room to cover, but it kind of made it easier to play because you knew you were never gonna run into the wall. You kind of just developed that sense for it when the ball was hit off the bat, whether or not it was getting out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this year is gonna be new challenges. There\u2019s different nooks and crannies in the wall now and I know that the bullpen is more extended over, closer toward direct left, and there\u2019s more balls hit over there. I think it\u2019s gonna present challenges, and looking forward to seeing how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowser isn\u2019t worrying about regression from a team that\u2019s made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m feeling really good about it (the roster) this year going into it,\u201d he said. \u201cI think that we\u2019re gonna have tons of people step up and I\u2019m looking forward to getting that going down in spring training. I really do like our roster.\u201d<\/p>\n
The biggest changes to it are the loss of No. 1 starter Corbin Burnes and right fielder Anthony Santander to free agency. Burnes finished fifth in American League Cy Young voting and Santander belted 44 home runs to win his first Silver Slugger and finished 14th in Most Valuable Player balloting.<\/p>\n
The backup catcher doesn\u2019t garner as much attention or get as many plaudits, but Gary S\u00e1nchez was signed to replace James McCann as the alternative to Adley Rutschman.<\/p>\n
\u201cMac did an awesome job for us the last couple years, Robby Chirinos before that in the backup role,\u201d Hyde said, also referencing the new bench coach. \u201cThey know Adley really well. With a new catcher in Gary, there\u2019s gonna be some get-to-know throughout camp. That\u2019s going to be important for us that he catches everybody. These six weeks are gonna be a real get-to-know for him, as well the pitchers. Him understanding what they like, what they don\u2019t like, how to set up, etc.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been on a couple Zooms with Gary and he’s a pro, and looking forward to the season to start.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chirinos was the starting catcher in 2022 before Rutschman\u2019s much-anticipated promotion. He became a reserve and a mentor, and now he\u2019s coaching for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, he\u2019s just like an all-time human being,\u201d Rutschman said. \u201cGreat guy to play with and I\u2019m really excited to have him around. He\u2019s just going to be a great energy guy, great coach, and like super, super knowledgeable.\u201d<\/p>\n
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