Albert Suarez

Povich's 69 pitches today produced 20 balls in play, including a homer, two doubles and seven more hard-hit balls. At least he did manage to go without a walk. Still, this drops him to 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA this spring, and it's a definite setback to his chances of overtaking Albert Suarez for the fifth spot in Baltimore's rotation.

Suarez was roughed up in his first two starts this spring, but the last two have gone quite a bit better, bringing his ERA down to 7.50. With Grayson Rodriguez down, the fifth spot in the Orioles rotation is expected to go to either Suarez or Cade Povich. Suarez probably has the edge after doing a nice job last year, and since he's out of options, he'll be on the team either way.

Suarez allowed three hits, walked two and struck out none in a shaky debut. Even though he was a solid starter in going 9-7 with a 3.70 ERA for Baltimore last year, he's probably destined to begin this season in middle relief. At least he is pretty much assured a roster spot, since he's out of options.