ANNOUNCED: ORIOLES’ FIRST GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE GAME WILL BE STARTED BY ALBERT SUAREZ
The Baltimore Orioles have officially announced that right-handed pitcher Albert Suarez will take the mound for their first game of the 2024 Grapefruit League season. The game, set to take place at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, marks the beginning of the Orioles’ spring training campaign as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.
This decision underscores the team’s intent to evaluate talent and structure their pitching rotation ahead of the regular season. Suarez, a veteran pitcher with international and Major League Baseball experience, will get the first opportunity to showcase his ability in a competitive setting.
Suarez’s Journey to the Orioles
Albert Suarez, originally from Venezuela, has had an eventful career that has seen him pitch in Major League Baseball, the minor leagues, and international leagues. Having made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2016, Suarez spent two seasons in the big leagues before continuing his career overseas. His return to the MLB with the Orioles comes after a strong showing in foreign leagues, where he honed his craft and displayed resilience on the mound.
The Orioles signed Suarez as part of their efforts to bolster their pitching staff, seeking depth and experience in a rotation that features young and emerging talent. Given his track record and versatility, Suarez could play a key role in the team’s pitching plans moving forward.
What Suarez Brings to the Mound
Suarez is known for his solid fastball, good command, and ability to work deep into games. His pitching arsenal includes a mix of fastballs, curveballs, and changeups, which have helped him remain effective across different levels of competition.
With a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, Suarez has the velocity to challenge hitters, while his secondary pitches add deception and variety. His ability to adapt to different roles—whether as a starter or long reliever—makes him a valuable asset for Baltimore, a team looking to refine its pitching depth ahead of the regular season.
Why the Orioles Chose Suarez to Start the Opener
The Orioles’ decision to give Suarez the starting nod in the Grapefruit League opener signals their interest in evaluating his performance against Major League hitters early in spring training. With a mix of established starters and young prospects vying for spots, the team will use this game as an opportunity to assess Suarez’s command, stamina, and overall effectiveness.
Furthermore, starting the first game of spring training is often an indicator of how much a team values a player’s potential role. While it does not necessarily mean he will be in the rotation to start the regular season, it does indicate that the Orioles want to get a closer look at what Suarez can offer.
The Importance of the Grapefruit League
The Grapefruit League is an essential part of Major League Baseball’s preseason preparation, allowing teams to fine-tune their rosters, test out different lineup combinations, and assess player readiness for the regular season. For the Orioles, who are looking to build upon recent progress, this spring training presents a critical opportunity to determine their best rotation and bullpen configurations.
With multiple pitchers competing for limited spots, the performance in these games can significantly impact roster decisions. Suarez’s start will be watched closely by both the coaching staff and fans eager to see how the team’s pitching will shape up in 2024.
What to Expect in Suarez’s First Start
Given that this is the first game of spring training, Suarez is unlikely to pitch deep into the game. Starters in early spring training outings typically throw one or two innings before being replaced by relievers. However, his performance in these innings will be key to establishing early momentum.
The Orioles coaching staff will be evaluating several aspects of his performance, including:
- Velocity and command – Is he hitting his spots and maintaining his usual velocity?
- Pitch selection – How effective are his breaking pitches and changeup?
- Efficiency – Is he working quickly and limiting walks?
- Poise and control – How does he handle pressure situations against MLB-caliber hitters?
Competing for a Spot on the Roster
While Suarez has the experience and skills to contribute to the Orioles’ pitching staff, he faces competition from younger arms and other veteran pitchers. Baltimore’s rotation features a mix of promising prospects and established players, meaning Suarez will need to perform well throughout spring training to secure a roster spot.
Some of the other pitchers competing for starting or bullpen roles include:
- Kyle Bradish – A young pitcher who showed promise in 2023 and is expected to compete for a rotation spot.
- Grayson Rodriguez – One of the Orioles’ top prospects looking to solidify his place in the starting rotation.
- John Means – Returning from injury and expected to play a crucial role in the rotation.
- Tyler Wells – A versatile pitcher who has experience both as a starter and reliever.
Suarez will need to consistently deliver strong outings in the Grapefruit League to increase his chances of breaking camp with the Orioles.
Fans’ Reactions and Expectations
Orioles fans have expressed excitement about the team’s direction, particularly with their young core and the emphasis on developing talent. While Suarez may not be the most high-profile name in the rotation battle, his experience and determination make him an intriguing pitcher to watch.
Fans will be eager to see how he performs in his first outing, hoping that he can provide valuable innings and contribute to the team’s success. A strong showing could increase confidence in his ability to serve as a dependable option for Baltimore’s pitching staff.
Looking Ahead in Spring Training
The Grapefruit League opener is just the beginning of a long and competitive spring training for the Orioles. Following this game, the team will continue to evaluate its roster, with several key decisions to be made before Opening Day.
Suarez’s performance in this game will likely determine how many more opportunities he gets to showcase his talent in subsequent games. If he performs well, he could see an increased role in spring training starts and even put himself in contention for a spot in the starting rotation or bullpen.
Albert Suarez’s start in the Orioles’ first Grapefruit League game is a pivotal moment for both the player and the team. It offers him a chance to prove his value while giving the Orioles’ coaching staff an opportunity to assess his readiness for the season.
While spring training results do not always translate to regular-season success, strong performances in these games can open doors for players looking to earn a roster spot. For Suarez, this start represents an opportunity to reignite his MLB career and contribute meaningfully to Baltimore’s 2024 campaign.
As the Orioles embark on their journey through spring training, all eyes will be on Suarez as he takes the mound for the first time in an Orioles uniform. His performance in this game could be the first step toward a significant role in Baltimore’s pitching plans for the upcoming season.