SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles aren’t close to deciding the 26 players who fit on their Opening Day roster. The majority, perhaps. But too many battles are short of completion.
In an eight-man bullpen, Mike Baumann seems to have gone from candidate to solid lock with 4 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings. The only baserunner reached on a walk, and he’s struck out five batters.
The velocity is up. The rhythm in his delivery is better. He’s out of minor league options.
He’s on the roster.
If we’re compiling a list of Orioles who enhanced their break-camp chances, I could go with Baumann first unless I flip-flop him with outfielder Colton Cowser or left-hander Keegan Akin.