masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles lost their afternoon split-squad game to the Red Sox, 9-5 in Fort Myers. They’re 3-12-3 heading into tonight’s game against the Twins at Ed Smith Stadium.
It’s more important that Christian Walker hit a three-run homer and Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard singled, doubled, walked and stole a base.
The roster could hold both players on opening day. Rickard has to remain with the Orioles all season or be placed on waivers and, if unclaimed, offered back to the Rays. Walker…

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles lost their afternoon split-squad game to the Red Sox, 9-5 in Fort Myers. They’re 3-12-3 heading into tonight’s game against the Twins at Ed Smith Stadium.

It’s more important that Christian Walker hit a three-run homer and Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard singled, doubled, walked and stole a base.

The roster could hold both players on opening day. Rickard has to remain with the Orioles all season or be placed on waivers and, if unclaimed, offered back to the Rays. Walker can be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, but he’s pushing hard to stay in the majors.

The Tigers Ian Kinsler and the Phillies’ Maikel Franco began the day leading the majors with 14 spring RBIs. Walker increased his total to 14 this afternoon.

Rickard improved his average to .342. He gets on base, he’s fast and he’s a plus-defender in the outfield. His instincts also have drawn notice.

The Orioles have 14 extra players for tonight’s game, including outfielder Quincy Latimore, who homered today in Fort Myers.

The expanded roster also includes outfielders Mike Yastrzemski, D.J. Stewart and Glynn Davis, infielders Drew Turbin, Ozzie Martinez, Garabez Rosa, Joey Terdoslavich and Michael Almanzar, catchers Stuart Levy and Austin Wynns, and pitchers Andy Oliver, Ashur Tolliver and Jason Stoffel.

wright-pitching-front-white sidebar.jpgMike Wright is starting tonight, with available relievers including Darren O’Day, Brad Brach and Mychal Givens.

Miguel Gonzalez starts Friday night for the Orioles in Tampa, with the Yankees sending left-hander CC Sabathia to the mound. Yovani Gallardo starts Saturday in Port Charlotte against the Rays’ Chris Archer.

Chris Tillman makes his second Grapefruit League start on Sunday in Sarasota, with the Rays sending Jhan Marinez to the mound.

The Orioles are off Monday. The Ed Smith Stadium complex is closed.