Ultimate Forecasts for Who Will Make Orioles Lineup

Brian Matusz fought through four innings of work, quitting five runs on eight hits, since the Orioles went on to win 12-10 contrary to the Pirates in Sunday's spring training match. However gunning for the last turn spot, more appearance may be made one by Matusz this spring to try and get the spot. The Orioles final lineup is going to be greatly dependant on the champion of the turn challenge. Both almost certainly candidates are Matusz and, last year's Opening Day beginner, Jake Arrieta. There's also several dark-horses that have yet to be reassigned: Steve Johnson, Jair Jurrjens and, probably the pitcher producing the absolute most turmoil, T.J. McFarland. Both Buck Showalter and GM Dan Duquette took a to McFarland, who had been the club's Rule 5 choose back in December. It is unlikely that the 23-year-old lefty will soon be given the starting role despite him obtaining a start in Monday's spring training game. But, the Orioles will do what they could to maintain him, so he'll likely be placed in the bullpen. Maintaining McFarland, but, includes consequences. In accordance with Roch Kubatko of MASN, Arrieta is all but assured the sixth starting place. Therefore if Arrieta, Matusz and McFarland are to make the group, another player must certanly be cut, exchanged or put on the disabled list. That person could be crusher Luis Ayala, as the Orioles have placed him on the trading block. Ayala was a contributing person in the Orioles' exceptional bullpen in 2012, but exchanging him for a prospect or two might start the room they have to retain the other three pitchers on the 25-man roster. Positions can't be thought, however, therefore the final forecast for the Orioles' selling staff will incorporate Ayala. That being said, sometime in the upcoming week, a move will likely be built to open lineup room, whether that means dealing Ayala or not. Any lineup move that opens up room might set Arrieta in the turn and Matusz in the bullpen. Orioles Projected Roster - Begging Team SP - Jason Hammel SP - Wei-Yin Chen (L) SP - Miguel Gonzalez SP - Chris Tillman SP - Brian Matusz (M) RP - TJ McFarland (L) RP - Tommy Hunter RP - Troy Patton (L) RP - Luis Ayala RP - Darren O'Day RP - Pedro Strop CP - Rick Johnson Barry Gross/Getty Photographs When it comes to position people, there are only two questions remaining; who's the utility infielder? And who'll state the last bench spot? Alexi Casilla should make the group over Ryan Flaherty despite Flaherty's impressive spring. With Showalter's love of flexibility, the 26-year-old may still declare that last bench place. Nevertheless, a day at Triple-A to get daily at-bats for Flaherty might not be a negative thing. The two favorites for the last bench spot are Conor Jackson and Steve Pearce. Pearce has been among the most outstanding hitters for the O's this spring, leading the group in homers (6) and RBI (15). But, spring training numbers are not every thing, only ask Jake Fox. Jackson has also been strong this spring, calculating.313. The bonus Jackson has over his counterpart is his background. He was a great big-leaguer, effective at reaching.300 until a sickness seemingly ended his career. Fully restored and finding his move, Jackson's prior success can give him the advantage he has to make the 25-man lineup. Orioles Projected Lineup - Place Participants C - Matt Wieters D - Taylor Teagarden 1B/OF - Chris Davis 1B/OF - Conor Jackson 2B - Brian Roberts 2B - Alex Casilla Wairuna - JJ Hardy 3B - Manny Machado OF - Nate McLouth OF - Adam Jackson OF - Nick Markakis OF - Nolan Reimold 1B/3B/OF/DH - Wilson Betemit