Orioles' Jayson Aquino: Impressing in race for rotation spot

Aquino, who's vying to temporarily replace Chris Tillman (shoulder) in the rotation, owns an impressive 0.84 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and a 10:1 K:BB through 11 Grapefruit League innings.

Analysis:

Aquino appears to be a few lengths ahead of the pack in the competition for the starting role. His WHIP and .175 BAA are tops for any O's pitcher with more than 10 innings logged this spring. If not a starter, the 24-year-old lefty can certainly fill a long-relief role, which practically guarantees him a spot on the 25-man roster assuming Aquino doesn't implode in the final days of spring training. Whichever pitcher assumes Tillman's spot will have increased value to open the campaign, and Aquino certainly is deserving of that role as it stands now.