SARASOTA, Fla. – “It’s a normal spring training at this point.”
Dillon Tate says these words in the most casual manner, without a hint of emotion in his voice or anything close to an expression. This is his usual delivery. Also quite normal for him.
The media and his Orioles teammates can make a bigger deal over Tate’s return from last year’s elbow and forearm injuries that kept him away from the active roster for the entire season.
About three weeks ago, Tate told the assembled media at Bowlero in Timonium, one of the last stops in the Birdland Caravan, that he reported early to camp and was ready to go. He smiled as he said it. An entire organization felt the same way.
Tate also described last season as a “whirlwind,” a kinder and gentler description than he could have provided. But he isn’t holding back during workouts, unleashing throws in warmups, popping the mitt in bullpen sessions and throwing live batting practice yesterday on the stadium mound.