Bautista won't need to battle for bullpen role in 2023

Félix Bautista didn’t know whether the Orioles would put him on the 40-man roster to protect him from a 2021 Rule 5 draft that never happened. He didn’t know whether he’d break camp with the team. So many uncertainties that have been shed like unwanted pounds.

Bautista became a dominant set-up man and closer as a 27-year-old rookie, and one of the easiest calls to make as spring training nears is his status in the bullpen. He’s the ninth-inning guy. Others can vie for the role when he isn’t available.

The only sour note was his finish. Bautista became less effective and available down the stretch due to arm fatigue, and he went on the injured list Oct. 3 with left knee discomfort.

The offseason is devoted in part to finding ways to build endurance and stay strong, though exposure to a first major league season should simplify the task.

“It’s a lot of focused, hard work, trying to focus on getting my shoulder, and my legs specifically, stronger and make sure there’s no lingering issues throughout the season,” he said via interpreter Brandon Quinones.

The 2022 season was an overwhelming success for Bautista, who posted a 2.19 ERA and 0.929 WHIP with 15 saves and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings across 65 appearances.

How can Bautista take the next step in his career? And yes, with his size, it’s a long stride.

“I think I have to continue to work on myself mentally and physically, try to get myself ready to go in all aspects of my game,” said Bautista, who's 10 pounds lighter. “I think I have to continue to work to my strengths and do well with what I did well last year and try to improve on those weak spots I had last year.

“The main thing is working on some little, minor details with my mechanics. They’re super-small adjustments that need to be made, but I noticed that last year that some hitters started to notice some in with my mechanics, so trying to correct that so they don’t notice those little details.”

The support from fans remained at peak level. He became an instant favorite with his imposing size and blazing fastball that routinely sat in triple digits.

The club ran with it. His entrances later in the summer were accompanied by the Omar whistle from the Baltimore-based HBO series “The Wire,” and the ballpark turned into a concert venue with its light show and hype video.

The crowd at Crooked Crab Brewing Company in Odenton serenaded Bautista with the whistle during Sunday’s caravan stop. 

“It’s super cool,” he said. “I love spending time with the fans. I think it’s a great experience, and it really keeps me motivated and helps me continue to want to get better and do a good job for them.”

The reception was every bit as warm upon his return to the Dominican Republic. And he finally had the chance to give his mother, Polonia, the baseball from his first strikeout, just as he promised.

“It was awesome,” he said. “When I got to my neighborhood everyone greeted me with so much appreciation. They even threw parties for me over there. It was a lot of fun and really cool seeing everyone again.

“When I gave my mom the first strikeout ball, it was very emotional but very exciting. She started crying, but now she has it with her.”