SARASOTA, Fla. — This is not how Coby Mayo would have wanted his opportunity to come, but it’s an opportunity nonetheless. With Jordan Westburg out until at least the end of April because of a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, Mayo will see ample time at third base.

It’s not new to Mayo. He has spent most of his professional life at the position, and he didn’t forget how to play it just because he focused on first base last season.

This is, however, a tryout of sorts. With Westburg out for months, Mayo has the chance to carry the strong ending to last season into the spring, and he could earn a job some thought had passed him by.

“That’s why you kind of stay ready and you do all the work in the offseason and in spring training, just in case something freakish happens,” Mayo said. “It’s unfortunate for them [Westburg and Jackson Holliday]. I really do feel horrible, especially for Westy being out significantly more time. But, you know, it’s an opportunity and it’s all about what you can do with it.”

By no means is Mayo alone in this competition to make the opening day roster, but he appears to have an edge. He started at third base in Friday’s Grapefruit League opener, and he has played that position throughout practices.

Pete Alonso’s signing altered Mayo’s outlook. When Baltimore moved Mayo to first base last year, he figured that would be his future home. But adding Alonso meant Mayo’s versatility between third and first may be his best path toward playing time.

For most of the offseason, Mayo trained at first. But a phone call from Orioles officials about a month before spring training alerted him that third base repetitions would be prudent. They couldn’t have envisioned just how true that is.

“We’re going to see Coby a lot at third base,” president of baseball operations Mike Elias said. “What that means for the season or long term, I don’t know yet, but we’ll be watching him a lot there this spring.”

The Orioles’ brass will watch others closely. The trade for utilityman Blaze Alexander proved timely, giving Baltimore a do-it-all fielder. Jeremiah Jackson will move around the infield. Luis Vázquez is a slick fielder with major league experience, and the Orioles added third baseman Bryan Ramos on waivers Friday.

That gives Baltimore depth, so Mayo’s spot isn’t guaranteed. Still, if his bat performs anywhere near the level it did to close 2025, any reservations about his defense will be easily glossed over.

Mayo produced a .301 average and .941 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in September. The regular at-bats in 24 games allowed the 24-year-old to find a rhythm that had eluded him for much of his stop-and-start major league career.

“Big confidence boost going into the offseason and especially into camp,” Mayo said. “I’ve been confident in my moves and my ability to stand in the box and face anybody and put together good at-bats.”

The Yankees didn’t hit any balls Mayo’s way Friday, but from what Elias has seen on the backfields, Mayo is putting together a solid defensive showing. His footwork will be important, making sure he can stay in front of the ball.

“The hot corner at the major league level is really hard, and getting to that level of play is something he’s been working on,” Elias said. “But I think he’s in a really good spot and he looks better than ever so far.”

Pitcher Ryan Helsley throws live batting practice before Friday’s game. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)The new closer’s latest live bullpen session

With right-hander Félix Bautista recovering from shoulder surgery, the Orioles signed right-hander Ryan Helsley to serve as their closer. He’s coming off a season in which he recorded 21 saves with a 4.50 ERA, having struggled down the stretch with the New York Mets following a midseason trade.

Baltimore believes in Helsley’s bounce-back ability, and his live bullpen session Friday showcased why. His slider, which he throws more than any other pitch, was crisp. He pairs that with a fastball that averaged 99.3 mph last year. The duo could make him a late-inning force.

The last batter Helsley faced, however, got the better of him. Outfielder Leody Taveras, who signed for $2 million early in the offseason, jumped all over a fastball and pulled it for a home run. It left his bat at 108 mph, one of Baltimore’s data analysts said, and the left-handed swing looked pure.

Outfielder Leody Taveras watches batting practice. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)

Taveras underperformed last year in 58 games with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners, finishing with a .205 average and .530 OPS. With Colton Cowser expected to take the lion’s share of playing time in center, Taveras may still be a valuable option off the bench, particularly for his defense. In 2024, when he played more frequently, Taveras earned four outs above average, according to Statcast.