URGENCY: Baltimore Orioles Head Coach Brandon Hyde has announced his departure due to..
.
Since Henderson is expected to start at shortstop, Jorge Mateo, an experienced player, is probably going to move into a utility role. He is capable of playing shortstop, second base, and even some outfield action. Mateo’s lightning-fast speed might also be an asset for the reigning American League East winners off the bench.
2) Jordan Westburg can now play third base if the team is determined to have him on the Opening Day roster. He debuted in the major leagues last season and is considered one of the organization’s best prospects. It’s hardly a given that he will play third base for this team in the major leagues, despite his prospect pedigree. Other alternatives are Ramon Urias, Tyler Nevin, and Nick Maton.
3) Should Westburg decide to move to third base, Jackson Holliday, the best prospect in baseball, will have an opportunity to take over at second base. He now has a clear road to the Opening Day roster, but he still has competition from the four infielders listed above as well as newly acquired minor leaguer Kolten Wong.
The Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS despite the O’s 101-game victory total.
