Orioles' Roster Hopeful Suffers Tough Injury Blow

This is a brutal blow for the O's infielder as he was in the conversation to make the Opening Day roster on Thursday when the Orioles take on the Minnesota Twins. Fellow infielders Jackson Holliday (hamate) and Jordan Westburg (UCL tear) are also slated to begin this season on the injured list, which further exacerbates the loss of Vázquez.

The Orioles acquired Vázquez from the Chicago Cubs in January 2025 in exchange for cash considerations. Despite being designated for assignment just days later after the O's signed outfielder Ramón Laureano, the 26-year-old cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. In 37 games in Triple-A last season, he batted .280/.345/.447 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and three stolen bases.

Vázquez eventually made his major league debut when Baltimore added him to their active roster on June 10. While Vázquez's first stint in the big leagues saw him hit his first career home run on August 24 against the Houston Astros, he slashed just .160/.208/.240 with that lone home run, three RBI, and two stolen bases in 33 games.

The O's designated Vázquez for assignment after the 2025 season on November 18. He once again cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A six days later.

Who will make the final roster spot for the Orioles?

With Vázquez now no longer an option for the Orioles' final Opening Day roster spot, potential names to look out for are Jeremiah Jackson, Weston Wilson and Bryan Ramos.

Jackson made his major league debut with the Orioles last year and was very productive, batting .276/.328/.447 with five home runs, 21 RBI and an OPS of .775 in 48 games.

Wilson and Ramos, however, are new faces in the O's organization. Wilson was claimed off waivers on January 22 after being DFA'd by the Philadelphia Phillies, while Ramos was acquired from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations on February 1. Despite being DFA'd just days later and claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals, the O's reclaimed Ramos on February 20 when St. Louis let him go.

With Jackson's familiarity with the Orioles as well as his impressive first stint in the majors last season, it would not be a surprise if he makes the Opening Day roster as the final roster piece.

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