Orioles right-hander Yovani Gallardo hadn’t pitched against major league competition in 12 days, and the argument could be made that the Boston Red Sox lineup he faced in Saturday afternoon Grapefruit League game was also light on big league hitters.
But Gallardo was roughed up by a Boston batting order that included just two projected Opening Day starters, allowing seven runs on eight hits while failing to get out of the fourth inning. Gallardo allowed 11 base runners – eight hits and three walks – in 3 2/3 innings.
Gallardo, who the Orioles will be paying a guaranteed $22 million over the next two seasons, hasn’t had a good spring.