SARASOTA – Jackson Kowar got the fly ball from top prospect Konnor Griffin last night and began shaking hands. He stranded two runners in scoring position to earn the save in a 5-2 win over the Pirates, and he still had no idea whether he’d be in Baltimore for Opening Day.

He struck out a batter on a nasty changeup, almost unfair from a pitcher with a fastball that hops into the upper 90s. His ERA fell to 1.80. And he keeps waiting for the Orioles to make their decision.

“It’s part of the job,” he said. “I think at this point in your career as a reliever, you kind of get used to this being it.”

Kowar knows the exceptions in the clubhouse, like closer Ryan Helsley, signed to a two-year, $28 million deal with an opt-out clause. Kowar turned to his left, looked down the row of lockers and spotted Félix Bautista, the previous closer who would be a lock if healthy.

“But for the most part, a lot of us are kind of fighting for our jobs, not even just in camp but throughout the year,” he said.

“I’d be lying if I said I was unaware of it. I think that would be a lie. But I feel like I’ve done a really nice job being able to separate that from the work, especially in games. You go out there and you go compete. You don’t really worry about that stuff. I think I’ve done a nice job, probably better than I did, especially earlier in my career, being able to separate and handle the pressures.”

The Orioles are intrigued by an arm that unleashes fastballs at 98-99 mph, and they’d be risking a waiver claim because he’s out of options.

Any hiccup can kill.

Kowar followed two scoreless appearances by surrendering  a run and two hits in an inning against the Blue Jays and two unearned runs in an inning against the Phillies. A leadoff walk and two-out double put him in more trouble last night, but he toughened.

“I know there’s only a limited number of spots, but when you’re out there you’re just competing, and day-to-day, the works the work,” Kowar said. “Most relievers, especially when you’re in a good group like we’ve got here, we’re able to kind of separate the two. And we have a great group, which also helps.”

Asked before facing the Pirates whether he’d done enough to earn a job, Kowar said, “Honestly, you always get picky with stuff, but I’m happy with the way I’ve competed.”

“I think especially in spring you just want your body to feel good, you want to be moving well, and I feel like that’s definitely been the case,” he said. “I think just cleaning up certain things, especially in the game counts. I think I’ve done a nice job getting ahead, but I haven’t quite put guys away like I want to. But you can always kind of nit-pick yourself, honestly. Just feeling like my stuff’s been really good, my body’s moving great. I feel really good with that.”

Andrew Kittredge’s right shoulder inflammation created another spot in the bullpen. Helsley, Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Yennier Cano, Dietrich Enns and Rico Garcia are six popular projections to go north, and Grant Wolfram would give the club a third left-handed reliever.

Wolfram allowed a hit and struck out two batters last night in the eighth and kept his ERA at 0.00 in seven innings. He’s fanned 12, including the game against Team Netherlands.

Albert Suárez was good Wednesday in his start in Dunedin, holding the Blue Jays to one run in four innings and striking out five batters. He couldn’t afford another dud – if it isn’t already too late.

Yaramil Hiraldo would be the other consideration for the last spot if the Orioles stick with eight relievers. Five of his six appearances are scoreless and hitless, but he allowed three runs and four hits in an inning against the Pirates in Bradenton. He has two minor league options.

Hans Crouse remains in camp, but he’s made just one appearance, allowing two runs and three hits in his inning in Bradenton. He was held back following last year’s lat injury.

Garcia will make his next appearance tonight against the Yankees in Tampa. He’s tossed four scoreless and hitless innings with one walk and five strikeouts.

The bleached hair will be gone soon. Garcia returned from the World Baseball Classic after pitching for Team Puerto Rico and promised to shave his head again.

The WBC experience was “something I couldn’t have dreamed of.”

“It was just something I didn’t expect,” he said. “Just the fans, the people, just how loud they can get, whether a team is winning or losing. They just have a lot of pride for the team, and it was just a special moment to experience.”

The interruption in camp wasn’t long, and Garcia got into two games. The intensity, he believes, was good for him.

“It definitely helps just being in that playoff atmosphere so early in the year, just because it kind of wakes your system up, and you have to get going, and you have to figure it out on the go,” he said.

“I think it just helped me prepare for the upcoming season.”

Garcia is out of options and also wondering about his future with the Orioles after posting a 2.84 ERA in 20 appearances last summer.

“At the end of the day, it’s whatever decision they make,” he said. “I’ve been around the block for a while, so I kind of just expect the worst always, and then whatever happens, happens. Every time I go out there, I’ll give it my all, but at the end of the day it’s a business.

“Whether I’m here or somewhere else, I’m gonna give it 110 percent.”