Yesterday in Clearwater, the big news for most O’s fans was Jackson Holliday’s big day at the dish. However, making his own case to steal the show as the O’s took on the Philadelphia Phillies in Grapefruit League action was a guy by the name of Albert Suarez, who was the Birds’ starting pitcher.
Suarez struck out seven over three scoreless frames against a very representative Phils lineup. His K’s included Kyle Schwarber (twice), Alec Bohm, and Trea Turner.
Albert Suárez surprised a lot of people today. Myself included.
Looks like he throws 4 pitches: FF / CH / FC / CU
The FF sat 96 with league average vert but 13" of horizontal movement. That'd be top 10 in baseball.
He recorded 12 whiffs w/ 10 on the heater
Here are all 7 Ks pic.twitter.com/TLFcTE0Gr1
— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) March 5, 2024
So, who is Albert Suarez?
Well, he isn’t some Spring Chicken. The 34-year-old was a member of the San Francisco Giants back in 2016-17, posting a 4.51 ERA in 40 games (12 starts). Since then, he’s pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League, then in Japan, then most recently in the KBO the past two seasons. In Korea, he posted a 2.49 ERA in 173 IP in 2022, then a 3.92 in 108 IP last year. Back on December 30, the Birds brought him in on a minor league deal.
As Chris Resetar points out here, the velocity – Suarez was averaging 96.3 MPH on his four-seamer yesterday – seems to be a new addition.
Albert Suarez has been an ace in Korea the past few years but since winter ball the thing that has stood out is the velocity. He wasn’t throwing that hard then in winter ball he started throwing darts.
— Chris Resetar (@baseballfan1721) March 5, 2024
Suarez has thrust himself into the conversation for the 26-man roster, whether it be for a spot in the rotation or in the bullpen. Personally, I would prefer Tyler Wells remain in the pen as he finished 2023, and short of signing a Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, someone like Suarez seizing the role would be the most likely way that happens. Corbin Burnes is obviously at the top of the rotation, followed by Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer. Cole Irvin has also been making his case. The lefty has shown increased velocity in both of his Grapefruit league starts. But with Kyle Bradish‘s status for the entire season still very much in the air, and John Means not likely to pitch at all in April, the team is very much in need of starting pitching depth.
In addition to Suarez, there is Julio Teheran, whom the team signed to a minor league deal back on Feburary 27. Teheran is actually more than a year younger than Suarez, for those of you griping about him being old and washed up.
Teheran makes the start tonight, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on how he looks as well. Teheran probably has the inside track to make the Opening Day roster, should a spot come down to him and Suarez, due his contract (as Chris mentions later in the above Tweet thread). Suarez could then start the season as a starter or reliever down in Norfolk.
