masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Infielder Jace Peterson has been scratched from the Orioles lineup today for their split-squad game against the Pirates in Sarasota. Zach Vincej has come over from minor league camp and is starting at second base.
Peterson may be the latest roster cut following today’s news that the Orioles optioned reliever Evan Phillips. Or it could be injury related.
Peterson was hit twice by pitches last night, but he stayed in the game.
The utility competition has been one of the more…

SARASOTA, Fla. – Infielder Jace Peterson has been scratched from the Orioles lineup today for their split-squad game against the Pirates in Sarasota. Zach Vincej has come over from minor league camp and is starting at second base.

Peterson may be the latest roster cut following today’s news that the Orioles optioned reliever Evan Phillips. Or it could be injury related.

Peterson was hit twice by pitches last night, but he stayed in the game.

The utility competition has been one of the more intriguing storylines of camp and Peterson is doing his part by batting .297/.435/.378 in 20 games. He’s in camp on a minor league deal.

Mancini-Hugs-Peterson-White-sidebar.jpgThe Orioles haven’t announced why Peterson is scratched.

Here’s the new lineup:

Jonathan Villar SS
Trey Mancini LF
Chris Davis 1B
Joey Rickard CF
Dwight Smith Jr. RF
Chance Sisco DH
Jesús Sucre C
Zach Vincej 2B
Hanser Alberto 3B

Andrew Cashner RHP

Sucre said he still hasn’t been told whether he made the club, his status remaining uncertain after yesterday’s meeting with manager Brandon Hyde.

The opt-out clause in Sucre’s minor league deal extends until Monday, at which time the Orioles must put him on the 40-man roster or he regains free-agent status.

“The manager came to me yesterday and he was telling me they want me on the team, but nothing is finished yet,” he said. “I haven’t heard a serious thing yet. He talked to me yesterday, he told me that, but I don’t think it’s 100 percent.”

The Orioles could break camp with Sucre and Pedro Severino, claimed off waivers yesterday from the Nationals, and option Chance Sisco to Triple-A Norfolk. They could let Sucre go or attempt to pass Severino through waivers.

Carlos Pérez and Andrew Susac are expected to be reassigned to minor league camp. Austin Wynns still can’t play because of a strained oblique and is a candidate for the injured list if he isn’t optioned.

Alex Cobb is at the Ed Smith Stadium complex this morning, but he wasn’t available to the media. He sustained a mild groin strain last night, pitching only one inning against the Twins, and his first career opening day start is in doubt.

Cobb felt “fatigue” in the groin area while warming up and aggravated his condition covering first base on a ground ball to Chris Davis.

Davis knew that something was wrong.

“I could see the look on his face,” Davis said.

“Obviously I’ve played with him and played against him and gotten to know him the last year. It’s something you never want to see. Just one of those things. Just another obstacle to deal with at the end of spring training when we still have a lot of questions that need to be answered. But hopefully it won’t be an issue.

“Talking to him afterward, he seemed pretty optimistic. We’ll see.”