Spring training is entering its final stretch for the Baltimore Orioles, and the club has continued to evaluate how its lineup will look heading into Opening Day. After an active offseason that reshaped several parts of the roster, the organization is closely monitoring returning players from this year’s World Baseball Classic and their readiness for the regular season.

One notable player, Tyler O’Neill, temporarily left camp earlier this March. The 30-year-old veteran departed to represent his country, Team Canada, in the international tournament and had not appeared in a spring training game since leaving the club.

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With the New York Yankees on the schedule Sunday, the Orioles announced their lineup and reinserted O’Neill, batting fifth and playing right field, marking his first appearance since leaving for the WBC.

The return marks the end of O’Neill’s brief stint with Canada in the WBC. Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Team USA, which featured Orioles teammate Gunnar Henderson.

While representing his country, O’Neill struggled to find offensive production. He finished the tournament going 3‑for‑18 with a .167 batting average, .348 on‑base percentage and .515 OPS. Despite the difficult stretch at the plate, the experience allowed him to face high‑level competition shortly before returning to Baltimore’s camp.

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Now his focus shifts back to preparing for Opening Day and attempting to bounce back from a frustrating first season with Baltimore.

O’Neill signed a three‑year, $49.5 million contract with the Orioles last winter, but injuries severely limited his impact during his first year with the club. He appeared in just 54 games and spent time on the injured list three different times due to neck inflammation, a left shoulder impingement and right wrist inflammation.

When he was available, he struggled mightily. O’Neill finished the season hitting .199 with a .292 on‑base percentage and .684 OPS while recording nine home runs and 26 RBIs. The power remained visible, but he continued to swing-and-miss at a high rate.

Despite the struggles, O’Neill’s track record suggests there is still plenty of upside. He is a former two‑time Gold Glove winner who previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox during his eight‑year major‑league career.

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Baltimore’s aggressive offseason additions have also strengthened the lineup around him, easing some of the pressure to carry the offense. If O’Neill can regain his form both offensively and defensively, the Orioles could see their already dangerous lineup become even more formidable as they pursue a return to the playoffs in 2026.