Orioles’ Keegan Akin Injured, Complicating Bullpen Plans
Orioles Spring Training Ends with Injuries and Roster Uncertainty
SARASOTA, Fla. — The final day of the Baltimore Orioles’ spring training brought more challenges than usual for the team’s medical staff and roster planning. As the team wrapped up its Grapefruit League season, several key players faced injuries that added complexity to the opening day lineup.
During the morning, manager Craig Albernaz announced that Dylan Beavers had sustained a minor knee injury, while Heston Kjerstad was set to undergo imaging on his hamstring. These developments were already complicating the club’s decisions about which players would make the opening day roster.
The situation took another turn after the game when reliever Keegan Akin experienced discomfort in his adductor muscle during warmups. He was not able to pitch in the game, and the team is now evaluating the extent of the injury.
Albernaz explained the situation postgame, stating that Akin felt pain in his hip while warming up. “We’re just being precautionary,” he said. “He hurt his adductor while he was warming up, and we pulled him out to get looked at. I have no idea the extent of it, but we’re taking it seriously.”
Orioles president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, confirmed the details during his end-of-spring news conference. He mentioned that Akin slipped in the bullpen before the game and felt pain in his hip. “It’s too soon to know how long he could be out,” Elias said. “We’re still evaluating what exactly happened.”
Akin has been one of the most dependable relievers for the Orioles over the past two seasons. In 142 innings since 2024, the left-handed pitcher has maintained a 3.36 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. If he is unable to return in time for the opening day on Thursday, it could create an additional spot in the bullpen.
This development adds to the competition among the remaining relievers, including Albert Suárez, Grant Wolfram, Jackson Kowar, and Yaramil Hiraldo, who are vying for the final two bullpen spots. Akin’s injury might open up a third position, which could shift the dynamics of the competition.
Wolfram, who is also a lefty, is likely to make the team if Akin is unavailable, as the Orioles typically prefer having multiple left-handed relievers in their bullpen. Hiraldo has minor league options, while Suárez and Kowar may be released if they don’t make the opening day roster.
Despite these challenges, the Orioles clarified one aspect of the bullpen. With starting pitcher Dean Kremer being sent to the minors, the team will have eight relievers, solidifying the rotation as a five-man group.
Elias emphasized that he will not finalize the opening day roster until the spring training concludes. “There are certainly some other ones that we could define right now,” he said. “The reality is we’re still in spring training, and we’ve got injuries and other factors that could change things. We want to take our time and avoid making premature decisions.”
As the team moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that all players are ready for the start of the regular season. With injuries adding to the uncertainty, the Orioles are taking a cautious approach to build the best possible roster for the upcoming campaign.
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