By Joe Schiller
The Baltimore Orioles are just four days away from Opening Day against the New York Yankees on Thursday afternoon but who will start on the mound is in question.
Alex Cobb, named the Opening Day starter, left Saturday’s Spring Training start with right groin soreness and did not return.
Cobb left game with right groin soreness
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch)
March 23, 2019 Now, his status is up in the air.
No MRI for Alex Cobb, but he’s no longer a gauarantee for Opening Day. #Orioles pic.twitter.com/C1CHAhdVm6
— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz)
March 24, 2019 It’s certainly not the news Cobb or Orioles fans want to hear heading into the season.
Cobb went 0-1 with a 7.45 ERA in four starts this Spring. The 31-year-old was looking to rebound after a disappointing season in 2018 but he could start the season on the injured list.
If that’s the case, veteran right-hander Andrew Cashner will make the start on Thursday in the Bronx.
If Alex Cobb (groin) can’t pitch Opening Day, it will be Andrew Cashner for the #Orioles in March 28 in New York. Cashner will only throw a couple innings today so that remains in play. Cobb’s status will be clearer after he throws a side session tomorrow.
— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz)
March 24, 2019 Mark Trumbo Still Rehabbing
On the topic of Oriole veterans, Mark Trumbo will begin the season on the injured list.
Trumbo underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee last August. Manager Brandon Hyde stressed the importance of Trumbo returning to the lineup fully healthy.
Brandon Hyde on Mark Trumbo:"I want Mark to be healthy when he joins us. I don’t want a lesser version, and it’s not fair to him. We’re just trying to get him as healthy as we possibly can before he joins us at some point this year.”#Orioles
— Rich DubroffMLB (@RichDubroffMLB)
March 24, 2019 The reported timetable for Trumbo’s rehab could be one month, maybe more.
