Hunter Harvey was the only 40-man roster player cut from camp in the first round of cuts, but he was never really in the running for a job anyways. No one else cut was a surprise.
Here are the eight players cut along with a synopsis of their camp:
Hunter Harvey
(2/1) Sounds like a broken record, but just needs to stay healthy and go back to AA and perform well. Could be interesting to see if the new regime converts him to a reliever.
(2/25) Threw in the mid to upper 90’s including a strikeout on a 98 MPH fastball, but allowed a long two-run homer to Byron Buxton.
(3/1) Struck out two, allowing a walk in one inning of work.
(3/3) Optioned to Norfolk though it doesn’t necessarily mean he will pitch there.
(NR) Ryan Mckenna
(2/1) Getting a chance to show the new staff his ability this spring but should be heading back to Bowie to start 2019.
(3/2) Came in for Mullins but played RF as Yaz played CF. Got on base twice getting HBP and drawing a walk, but still looking for his first spring hit.
(3/3) Not a surprising cut. Will start the season at Bowie most likely.
(NR) Mike Yastrzemski
(2/1) Can play all three outfield positions, but is more of a left fielder. Probably heading back to AAA to provide depth.
(3/2) Getting some decent playing time in CF, but 0-for-9 on the spring so far.
(3/3) Not a surprising first cut. Will battle for playing time at Norfolk.
(NR) Zach Vincej
(2/1) Has the ability to play shortstop and has hit a bit in AAA.
(2/27) Played 2B today and went 0-for-1. Only 4 at bats so far.
(3/3) Got the least amount of looks of the utility candidates. Will battle for Norfolk playing time.
(NR) Cael Brockmeyer
(2/13) Career minor leaguer signed in January brought into camp due to Sucre’s Visa problems
(2/27) Went 0-for-1 and allowed a stolen base after coming in for Perez late. Has also played some 1B, but only two ABs.
(3/3) Was always here to just catch the pitchers. Will try and get playing time at Bowie or Norfolk
(NR) Zach Pop (R)
(2/1) Hard throwing right-handed who will probably end up back in AA or AAA to start season but who could see time in Baltimore in 2019
(2/23) Pitched a shutout inning in his debut, but the big news was his lack of velocity (86-87). Pop explained that he was easing his way in but Hyde said the team with go slow with him until they are sure he’s ready to pitch again.
(3/3) Never pitched again after his velocity was off about 10 MPH in his only appearance. Hopefully he will get a going in minor league camp.
(NR) Chris Lee (L)
(2/1) Flashes potential but doesn’t miss many bats and has struggled in most chances above AA.
(3/3) Got into two games and allowed a run on four hits and three walks in just 2.1 IP. Will compete for a spot with Norfolk.
(NR) Dean Kremer
(2/1) As a non-roster guy with less than half a season above A-ball, he’s here to get a look by the big league staff.
(2/14) Kremer has a left oblique strain that could put him behind by at least two more weeks. He suffered the injury in an off season throwing incident.
(3/3) Hyde said Kremer is eager to pitch and will pitch soon. Never pitched in a game and will get ready for his his minor league season in minor league camp.
