Baltimore Orioles’ manager Brandon Hyde has named a starter for Saturday’s Florida Grapefruit League opener. The starting assignment goes to Yefry Ramírez, a name that shouldn’t be unfamiliar to Orioles’ fans. While he didn’t have much success (pitching to a 5.92 ERA), Ramirez did see action in 2018.
This does not mean that Ramírez is being green lighted to start on Opening Day. You really can’t read too much into these spring starts. All it really means is that Hyde and his staff want to get a look at Ramírez in game action in Saturday’s game. Odds are he’s only slated to pitch two innings – three at most.
Hyde hasn’t committed to a starter past Saturday. The Orioles are home in Sarasota both days this weekend. Saturday of course is against Minnesota at 1 PM. On Sunday they’ll host the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium at 1 PM. For what it’s worth, tickets remain for both games. Or you could just follow along with my twitter feed, @DomenicVadala, for in-game updates! You can also check back here at Birdland Crush following all spring and regular season games for game recaps and analysis.
The Orioles also announced this week that Boog’s Barbecue will be coming to Ed Smith Stadium during spring training home games this year. The famed Camden Yards BBQ stand will be open in the left field pavilion area, and during all home spring games. In theory this is Boogs’ third location – the first outside of Maryland. The original of course is at Camden Yards, but there’s also a Boog’s stand on the boardwalk in Ocean City. And now Sarasota.
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