BOSTON — A week ago in spring training, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde started Rio Ruiz at second base in a spring training game to give him a bit of experience there. Ruiz, the Orioles’ regular third baseman last season, had played two innings out of position at second in the past two seasons and some preparation was required in case of emergency in the coming season.
Opening Day in Boston on Friday showed that Ruiz might be spending more time at second. He started there to allow new free-agent signing Maikel Franco to play third base. Ruiz made three outstanding defensive plays at his new spot, prompting praise from Hyde and his teammates.