In optioning right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, they did so with the intent of stretching him out to potentially become a starting pitcher.
Yacabonis had a strong spring training, posting a 3.38 ERA (three earned runs over eight innings) and more importantly refined his mechanics in order to take more stress off his throwing shoulder, which gives the Orioles optimism that he has starting potential.
After pitching all one-inning outings this spring, Yacabonis will open the season at Triple-A Norfolk with the assignment of pitching multiple innings.
“Yac is going to take some extended innings,” manager Buck Showalter said.