Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore returned right-hander Rule 5 draft pick Andrew Politi to the Boston Red Sox after he cleared waivers.

The first six weeks of Orioles spring training were drama-free, but the choice to start Grayson Rodriguez, a consensus top-10 prospect, in Triple-A ended that streak and reinvigorated the belief from some that the team is still more focused on the long-term future than winning this year.

Grayson Rodriguez’s much-anticipated arrival to the major leagues will have to wait, as Orioles manager Brandon Hyde informed the top pitching prospect Monday morning that he would instead begin the season in Triple-A.

The Orioles will first play in the new threads May 26 against the Texas Rangers.

“I don’t subscribe to the theory that anybody can go play over there," Orioles infield coach Tony Mansolino said about the challenge of learning to play first base. "It takes a lot of work.”

The Orioles on Sunday afternoon optioned left-hander DL Hall, the club's No. 2 pitching prospect, to minor league camp. Hall will continue to build up as a starting pitcher in Triple-A rather than in Baltimore's bullpen.

From Rule 5 pick Andrew Politi's roster case to Jorge Mateo playing center field to Keegan Akin's versatility in the bullpen, here's the latest from Orioles spring training as it nears an end.

If the Orioles are going to outplay their projections, these five players could be the reason why.