SARASOTA, FLA. — Third baseman Jimmy Paredes, who was the Orioles' best hitter during spring training, will likely open the season on the disabled list with a lower back strain.
Paredes, who hasn't played since Tuesday, suffered the injury while lifting weights, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.
He was battling for one of the club's final roster spots and appeared close to making the team after hitting .364 (20-for-55) with 10 extra-base hits (seven doubles, one triple and two homers) and 12 RBI.
The loss of Paredes could open the possibility for the Orioles' to carry 13 pitchers on Opening Day. Showalter said the decision on a fifth starter might not be made until after the second game of the season on Tuesday, so the team will likely carry Ubaldo Jimenez and Kevin Gausman.
A 13-man staff would also make it easier for the Orioles to keep Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia on the Opening Day roster.
In other news:
*Showalter named right-hander Bud Norris to start the Orioles home opener against the Blue Jays in Friday.
*The Orioles named advance scouting coordinator Ben Werthan to become the video replay coordinator, replacing Adam Gladstone.