Livan

Soto

The Orioles’ best players this spring have been backup infielders ticketed for Triple-A: Soto is hitting .467, Vimael Machin is at .533 and Emmanuel Rivera hit his second homer today. There would be room for one on the roster if Gunnar Henderson joins Jorge Mateo on the IL initially, though since it’d presumably be a short stay, the Orioles might prefer to just go with Coby Mayo instead of adding someone to the 40-man.

The Orioles designated Soto for assignment after claiming Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Reds last Friday. Soto will stick around to provide some infield depth on a team that already has plenty of it.

The O’s picked up Roansy Contreras off of waivers from the Reds on Friday, but in doing so they had to free up a spot on their 40-man roster. That unfortunately left Soto without a job for the time being. The 24-year-old infielder went 3-for-10 (.300) with a 3/2 K/BB ratio over 13 plate appearances in his limited action with the Orioles during the 2024 campaign.

After never getting into a game in his first two stints with the Orioles, Soto did play in 12 this time around and went 3-for-10 with three walks. He’ll likely be dropped from the 40-man once the Orioles’ postseason concludes.

Holliday was lifted for a pinch-hitter after striking out twice Friday, and he didn’t get into Saturday’s game. Livan Soto went 2-for-4 in that one and is playing second base again today. Holliday is 5-for-35 with one RBI this month. He’s hitting .132/.193/.184 in 83 plate appearances since Aug. 18. Anyone holding on to him ought to find an alternative for the final two weeks.

The Orioles would prefer to time Holliday’s off days against lefties, but they’re in the midst of a long string of games against righties at the moment. Liván Soto is getting the start at second. He’s served two stints with the Orioles, but it only now about to get his first at-bat with the team.

Soto never got into a game in his first two stints with the Orioles. Maybe things will be a little better this time, but he’s very much the 26th man.

After the Orioles claimed Emmanuel Rivera off waivers on Wednesday, it seemed like only a matter of time before Rivera would be activated to take Soto’s place on the active roster. That day was today. Soto will continue to serve as organizational depth for the Orioles moving forward.

Rivera was claimed off waivers by the Orioles on Wednesday and will now join the active roster. The 28-year-old was hitting just .214/.294/.269 in 229 plate appearances before being cut by the Marlins and should operate off the bench for the Orioles while getting some starts at third base against left-handed pitchers. Livan Soto was sent to the minors in a corresponding move.

Rivera is out of options, so he’ll join the major league team, presumably as a replacement for Livan Soto on the bench. The 28-year-old was hitting just .214/.294/.269 in 229 plate appearances before being cut by the Marlins, but he’s been a little better in the past and he is a plus defensive third baseman.