The Baltimore Orioles have reclaimed infielder Bryan Ramos off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, marking his second acquisition by the team this month. This move comes as Baltimore’s infield faces significant challenges due to a series of injuries emerging early in spring training, prompting the organization to reinforce its roster depth.
Initially, Baltimore obtained Ramos from the Chicago White Sox on February 1st in exchange for cash considerations. Just five days later, the Orioles placed him on waivers, where he was promptly claimed by the Cardinals. When St. Louis designated Ramos for assignment to clear space for another player, Baltimore acted swiftly to bring him back into their fold.
This shuffle is not uncommon for Baltimore, a club known for aggressively managing its roster to retain potential talent as non-roster depth. Although the timing did not favor them at first, the recent surge in injuries has made Ramos’ return a timely reinforcement.
Infield Injuries Reshape Baltimore’s Early Season Plans
When Bryan Ramos originally joined the Orioles, the team’s infield structure appeared firmly set, featuring Jordan Westburg at third base, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, Jackson Holliday at second base, and Pete Alonso manning first base. That lineup has been disrupted by injury setbacks.
Jackson Holliday is dealing with a hamate fracture, necessitating placement on the injured list and sidelining him at least until mid-April. More troubling is Jordan Westburg’s partial UCL tear in his throwing elbow, a condition that will keep him out until the end of April at minimum and could require surgical intervention.
These injuries have forced Baltimore to reconsider its infield options. With two of the projected starters unavailable, opportunities have opened for other players. Former top prospect Coby Mayo appears poised to fill the third base spot, while utility player Blaze Alexander may take over second base duties during Holliday’s absence.
Ramos Returns with Versatility and Major League Options
At 25 years old, Bryan Ramos offers vital flexibility for the Orioles’ now-thinned infield. Though primarily a third baseman, Ramos’s experience includes stints at second base, first base, and even left field. Critically, having exhausted his minor league options, Baltimore must keep him on the major league roster or risk losing him once more.
Ramos demonstrated potential while in the White Sox system, posting a solid .265/.346/.453 slash line with a 116 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) across Double-A and Triple-A during 2022 and 2023. However, his recent performances show a decline, with a .228/.314/.392 batting line over the last two minor league seasons and a .198/.244/.333 mark in limited MLB appearances.
Despite these challenges, Ramos provides Baltimore with controlled infield depth that can remain under team control through six more seasons before reaching free agency. As the team faces mounting injuries early in spring training, having players like Ramos who are prepared to contribute immediately is crucial for their ongoing competitive strategies.
Roster Adjustments and Future Outlook
To accommodate Ramos on the 40-man roster, the Orioles are expected to move closer Félix Bautista to the 60-day injured list, as Bautista is set to miss the majority of the season due to his own injury recovery. This maneuver will open a roster spot and keep the team compliant with roster limits.
For Bryan Ramos, this return represents a vital chance to prove himself at the major league level with a team that now has pressing infield vacancies. The evolving injury situation in Baltimore’s infield creates an uncertain yet promising environment for Ramos to secure playing time and contribute meaningfully to the Orioles’ 2026 ambitions.
