Orioles' Joey Rickard: Destined for minor-league assignment

Rickard is destined to begin the 2017 season in the minors, Baltimorebaseball.com reports.

Analysis:

Michael Bourn's signing, coupled with that of Craig Gentry's on Saturday, gives the Orioles a tremendously crowded outfield. They have nine outfielders on the 40-man roster -- including two Rule 5 picks -- and five more that have received non-roster invites to spring. Right now, there's room for one more (maybe two) outfielders on the 25-man roster. Bourn could start the season in the minors since he is on a minor-league deal. But once his contract is purchased by the big-league club, he can't come off the roster without going through waivers (or being released outright). The club would love to keep at least one of their Rule 5 outfielders - Aneury Tavarez or Anthony Santander - but that means a clogged roster spot all season. Therefore, because Rickard has minor-league options remaining and is coming back from injury, his fate is all but officially sealed.