Baltimore Orioles: Oliver Drake 'started from the bottom, now he's here'

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Oliver Drake impressed the O’s in 2016. Now, it will be up to him to see if he can stay on the Orioles 25-man roster.

Like many players, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Oliver Drake started from the bottom. And because Drake is out of minor league options, he’s here to compete for a job.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter implied he was going to carry 10 to 11 pitchers in the bullpen because the team won’t need a fifth starter. Drake said he doesn’t know whether he’s going to be in the bullpen this season, but he wants to make an impression.

Drake said the following on “The Hot Stove Show” on 105.7 The Fan:

Drake allowed two earned runs and struck out 14 batters in 11.1 innings. That covered all of September and October 1st.

Surprisingly, not many pitchers in the Major Leagues can throw a forkball.

Drake can.

However, Drake likes calling it a splitter, even though it’s not thrown in a typical fashion.

Drake is going to spend the Spring competing for a spot and making adjustments when needed. Hopefully by the time Spring Training ends, he’ll have earned a job on the Orioles roster.

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If not, Drake might have to find that opportunity someplace else.