Wright, Wilson on Opening Day roster
Wright to be 4th starter; Wilson's role in flux
Manager Buck Showalter said Thursday that right-hander Mike Wright will be the fourth starter, while fellow right-hander Tyler Wilson is on the team and remains a candidate to be the fifth starter.
For the two young pitchers, both of whom debuted in the majors last year, this spring was seen as an opportunity to solidify themselves as future options for the club.
Combine their standout springs, the release of right-hander Miguel Gonzalez and the need for a stand-in starter while right-hander Kevin Gausman is on the disabled list, and the time is now.
“Mike won the job,” Showalter said. “Mike pitched well this spring, and had a great year last year in Triple-A. It's his time. I don't know how much simpler you can make it.”
The team had already announced that right-handers Yovani Gallardo and Ubaldo Jimenez would follow Opening Day starter Chris Tillman. Wright, who ended the spring with a 4.79 ERA in six starts, 17 strikeouts and six walks over 202/3 innings, will be up next on April?8.
He and Wilson solidified their spots Monday against a full-strength Boston Red Sox lineup. Wright allowed a run on four hits in five innings, then Wilson relieved him with two scoreless innings.
“We'll see how we're going to use Tyler yet, but Tyler made the club,” Showalter said. “I told him today. That was fun.”
Wilson and Showalter both said Monday that he could still be stretched out to start, as he's pitching two- and three-inning stints every four days to see how his body responds. The Orioles need a fifth starter April 10, and Showalter said that would be left unannounced for the next few days.
Wilson, right-hander Vance Worley and left-hander T.J. McFarland appear to be the internal fifth starter options. Wilson pitched three innings and allowed one run Thursday to finish the spring with a 2.60 ERA in 171/3 innings.
Wilson said it's “really cool” he and Wright received the good news on the same day, and doesn't really need to know what his role is to enjoy the moment.
Monday will be Wilson's and Wright's first Opening Day spent with the Orioles. Wright was 3-5 with a 6.04?ERA in 12 major league appearances (nine starts) last season, while Wilson was 2-2 with a 3.50 ERA in nine appearances (five starts).
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