masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgYolmer Sánchez no longer can be penciled in as the Orioles’ starting second baseman on opening day.
The Orioles have acquired right-hander Adam Plutko from the Indians in exchange for cash considerations and declared Sánchez would be designated for assignment.
The 40-man roster remains full. The camp roster remains fluid.
Opening day projections remain unreliable.
Plutko, 29, was the Indians’ 11th-round draft pick in 2013 out of UCLA who’s made 50 appearances (36 starts) in the majors…

Yolmer Sánchez no longer can be penciled in as the Orioles’ starting second baseman on opening day.

The Orioles have acquired right-hander Adam Plutko from the Indians in exchange for cash considerations and declared Sánchez would be designated for assignment.

The 40-man roster remains full. The camp roster remains fluid.

Opening day projections remain unreliable.

Plutko-Throws-Indians-Sidebar.jpgPlutko, 29, was the Indians’ 11th-round draft pick in 2013 out of UCLA who’s made 50 appearances (36 starts) in the majors and gone 13-12 with a 5.05 ERA and 1.316 WHIP in parts of four seasons. He spent 2017 with Triple-A Columbus.

The Indians used Plutko in 10 games last summer, including four starts. He had a 4.88 ERA and 1.337 WHIP in 27 2/3 innings.

Plutko is out of minor league options. He’s made two starts and four relief appearances this spring and allowed five runs and 12 hits in nine innings. He’s walked two and struck out 11.

How the Orioles envision using him will be known later tonight.

Sánchez, a Gold Glove winner at second base in 2019, was claimed off waivers from the White Sox on Oct. 30 and avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1 million deal. He’s 8-for-39 (.205) this spring with a .484 OPS, but figured to form a double play partnership with shortstop Freddy Galvis.

The Orioles could search for another second baseman or go with Pat Valaika and Ramón Urias. They also have non-roster invite Stevie Wilkerson on the camp roster.

They reassigned Jahmai Jones and Richie Martin last night.

Ronald Acuña homered off John Means in the first inning to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.

Here’s the new lineup:

Pat Valaika SS
Ramón Urías 2B
Pedro Severino C
Rio Ruiz 3B
Adley Rutschman DH
Yusniel Diaz RF
Tyler Nevin 1B
Stevie Wilkerson LF
Ryan McKenna CF

John Means LHP