MASN News & Information

Orioles announce series of roster moves

2013-05-18T18:30:15Z

The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of right-hander Jair Jurrjens and recalled right-hander Jake Arrieta from Triple-A Norfolk. Jurrjens will start this afternoon's game against Tampa Bay. Additionally, outfielder Nolan Reimold has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 12, with a right hamstring strain, and right-hander Alex Burnett has been optioned to the Tides. To make room for Jurrjens on the 40-man roster, second baseman Brian Roberts has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Jurrjens, 27, has gone 4-1 with a 3.14 ERA (51.2IP, 18ER) in eight outings (six quality starts) for the Tides this season, posting 6.0 innings or more in seven of his eight starts. A National League All-Star in 2011, the right-hander is 53-37 with a 3.62 ERA (750.2IP, 302ER) in six major league seasons with Detroit (2007) and Atlanta (2008-12). Signed by the Orioles as a minor league free agent on February 15, Jurrjens will be making his first major league start since July 22, 2012 at Washington. He will wear #49.

Arrieta, 27, went 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA (19.2IP, 6ER), 17 strikeouts and three walks in three starts for the Tides after being optioned on April 22. He was 1-1 in four starts with the Orioles earlier this season.

Reimold, 29, is batting .188/.257/.327 in 31 games for the Orioles this season.

Burnett, 25, has made two appearances for the Orioles, allowing three earned runs in 1.1 innings.

Roberts, 35, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain on April 5. He is 5-for-12 with a double, run scored, RBI and stolen base in three games this season with the Orioles.

The Washington National Opera presents Opera in the Outfield at Nationals Park

2013-05-17T18:42:22Z

The Washington National Opera, in conjunction with the Washington Nationals, will present the fifth annual Opera in the Outfield at Nationals Park featuring a live simulcast of the legendary American musical Show Boat on Saturday, May 18.

The event is free and open to the public and will take place rain or shine. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for "pregame" activities, including entertainment and activities, and Show Boat will begin at 7 p.m. Seating will be available in the stands, while access to the outfield will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open at 5 p.m. Patrons wishing to sit in the outfield must pick up a wristband when they enter Nationals Park at the table to the left of Center Field Plaza. Complete information is available at www.OperaintheOutfield.org.

In addition, guests will be treated to live performances by community youth groups including the WPAS Children of the Gospel Choir. Attendees can also take part in meet-and-greets with M&M'S® Ms. Brown and the living statue of Babe Ruth, enjoy swing dance demonstrations, play dress-up using various outfits and accessories from a costume trunk and sample American Heritage Chocolate.

For more information on the event, please refer to the attached press release or visit www.OperaintheOutfield.org.

Birdland Summer 6-pack offers fans six games at discounted prices

2013-05-17T18:22:13Z

Summer isn't complete without Orioles baseball, and the team's new Birdland Summer 6-Pack ticket offer gives fans the opportunity to watch the Birds take on a variety of opponents, including the Yankees and Red Sox, at a discounted rate over the remaining months of the season.

For as little as $54, fans will select tickets to six Orioles home games, including two prime games, all at the non-prime game price. Fans will be able to choose from 20 prime games and 41 non-prime games. The Birdland Summer 6-Pack offers a potential savings of up to $70 per package.

"We have designed this offer to reward Orioles fans willing to make a commitment to attend as few as six games this season with discounted tickets to the most in-demand games on our schedule," said Greg Bader, Orioles Vice President of Communications and Marketing. "This program represents the perfect opportunity for Orioles fans to help paint the park orange and make their presence known when we take on our division rivals from New York and Boston."

Orioles announce Father's Day Catch on the Field opportunity for fans

2013-05-17T14:39:19Z

The Orioles, in partnership with Majestic, have announced a special opportunity for fans to play catch on the field for the first time on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16, prior to their game against the Boston Red Sox. Fans may purchase one of two ticket packages that include a pair of tickets for the 1:35 p.m. game and a 25-minute pre-game session of catch on the Oriole Park field. A portion of the proceeds will benefit OriolesREACH and the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation.

The Father's Day Catch on the Field Package is available for $150 and includes two Left Field Lower Box tickets (sections 66-86), the unique opportunity to play catch on the field for two participants ($75 for each additional participant), two soft baseballs and a donation to the Orioles Charitable Foundation. The upgraded Catch on the Field Package is available for $198 ($99 for each additional participant) and includes Lower Box tickets in sections 6-14 or 60-64. Additional online fees apply.

Registration on June 16 will take place from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at Schaefer Circle, outside of Home Plate Plaza, located on the southwest corner of the ballpark between Gates D & E. In the event of inclement weather, a makeup date will be determined. Fans are advised that availability is limited and this event will sell out. To purchase a Father's Day Catch on the Field Package, fans should visit www.orioles.com.

Upon completing a purchase transaction, an information packet will be mailed and will include tickets, important information and a waiver of liability which must be completed by each participant.

Nationals recall Johnatan Solano, place Wilson Ramos on DL

2013-05-16T22:29:52Z

The Washington Nationals today recalled catcher Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and placed catcher Wilson Ramos on the 15-Day Disabled List with a left hamstring strain. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Solano, who is 1-for-6 in three games with Washington in '13, batted .167 (8-for-48) with two doubles, two walks and three runs scored in 12 contests this season with Syracuse. The 27-year-old is hitting .293 (12-for-41) with three doubles, two home runs, six RBI, two walks and six runs scored in 15 career games with the Nationals.

Ramos, 25, is batting .250 (12-for-48) with three doubles, two home runs, six RBI, four walks and four runs scored in 14 games this season with Washington.

Orioles place left-hander Wei-Yin Chen on 15-day disabled list

2013-05-14T19:41:50Z

The Orioles today announced that they have placed left-hander Wei-Yin Chen on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 13, with a right oblique strain. The club has also recalled right-hander Alex Burnett and infielder Yamaico Navarro from Triple-A Norfolk.

Chen was injured during his Sunday start at Minnesota in which he picked up his third win of the year with five scoreless innings. Chen is 3-3 with a 3.04 ERA (47.1IP,16ER) in eight starts for the Orioles. Chen led the Orioles with 32 starts in 2012.

Burnett, 25, joins the Orioles for the third time this year (also April 22-24 and May 9-10). He appeared in one game, allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless inning May 9 against Kansas City. In seven games with Triple-A Norfolk, Burnett was 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA (9.2IP, 2ER) and eight strikeouts.

Navarro, 25, returns for a second stint with the Orioles as he was with the club April 5-6 but did not see game action. In 34 games with Norfolk, Navarro was batting .303 (37-122) with two homers and 13 RBI. He scored 28 runs in those 34 games and posted a .395 on-base percentage for the Tides.

Orioles option left-hander Mike Belfiore to Triple-A Norfolk

2013-05-13T19:39:58Z

The Orioles today announced that they have optioned LHP Mike Belfiore to Triple-A Norfolk.

Belfiore, 24, was recalled prior to Sunday's game but did not pitch. Belfiore was 1-0 with a 5.52 ERA (14.2IP, 9ER) and 17 strikeouts in 10 games for the Tides. In 2012, with Double-A Bowie, Belfiore was 5-1 with a 2.85 ERA (47.1IP, 15ER) in 28 games.

A corresponding roster move will be announced tomorrow.

Orioles recall left-hander Mike Belfiore from Triple-A Norfolk

2013-05-12T16:42:43Z

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled left-hander Mike Belfiore from Triple-A Norfolk.

Belfiore, 24, was 1-0 with a 5.52 ERA (14.2IP, 9ER) in 10 games for the Tides. In 2012, with Double-A Bowie, Belfiore was 5-1 with a 2.85 ERA (47.1IP, 15ER) in 28 games.

Originally selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round (45th overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of Boston College, Belfiore was acquired by the Orioles on May 12, 2012 in exchange for infielder Josh Bell.

Belfiore will wear number 65 and will be making his major league debut.

Orioles option right-hander Steve Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk

2013-05-12T03:40:42Z

The Orioles tonight announced that they have optioned right-hander Steve Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk.

Johnson, 25, started Saturday's game at Minnesota and allowed six earned runs on seven hits and four walks over four innings in his season debut for the Orioles.

A corresponding roster move will be announced tomorrow.

O's recall right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk, option right-hander Alex Burnett to Norfolk

2013-05-11T19:46:01Z

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned right-hander Alex Burnett to Norfolk. Johnson is scheduled to start tonight's game at Minnesota.

Johnson, 25, began the season on the disabled list with a strained right lat. He made three starts for Norfolk and was 1-1 with a 4.41 ERA (16.1IP, 8ER). In four starts for Baltimore in 2012, Johnson was 3-0 with a 2.86 ERA (22.0IP, 7ER) and the Orioles won all four games he started.

Burnett appeared in one game for the Orioles, striking out one in a scoreless inning. Burnett was claimed by the Orioles off waivers from Toronto on April 12.

Nats recall Eury Perez, place Jayson Werth on DL

2013-05-11T17:12:25Z

The Washington Nationals today recalled outfielder Eury Perez from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and placed right fielder Jayson Werth on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to May 3, with a right hamstring strain. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Perez joins the Nationals after hitting .346 (37-for-107) with five doubles, a triple, a home run, six RBI, seven stolen bases and 17 runs scored in 23 games with the Chiefs. The 22-year-old hit safely in his last nine games with Syracuse, posting a .381 batting average (16-for-42) with three doubles, a homer, two RBI, three stolen bases and nine runs scored during that stretch.

Perez saw his first big league action with the Nationals last season, going 1-for-5 with three stolen bases and three runs scored in 13 games. He collected his lone hit on September 24 against Milwaukee's Manny Parra.

Perez was a member of the '13 Dominican Republic squad that secured its first World Baseball Classic championship this spring. Tabbed by Baseball America as the "Fastest Baserunner" and "Best Defensive Outfielder" in Washington's system entering the 2011 campaign, Perez has swiped 229 bases during his professional career.

Werth, 33, is batting .260 (26-for-100) with two doubles, four home runs, 10 RBI, six walks, two stolen bases and 17 runs in 27 games this season with Washington.

Orioles recall right-hander Alex Burnett from Triple-A Norfolk; Right-hander Miguel Gonzalez placed on 15-day DL

2013-05-09T19:04:19Z

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Alex Burnett from Triple-A Norfolk and placed right-hander Miguel Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 4, with a right thumb blister.

Burnett, 25, had one earlier stint with the Orioles, April 22-24, but did not appear in a game. He is 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA (9.1IP, ER) in six relief appearances for the Tides this season, with eight strikeouts and no walks. Burnett was claimed by the Orioles off waivers from Toronto on April 12. He went 4-4 with a 3.52 ERA (71.2IP, 28ER) in 67 appearances for Minnesota in 2012.

Gonzalez, 28, is 2-2 with a 4.58 ERA (35.1IP, 18ER) in six starts this season. He left his last start, May 3 against the Angels, after 6.0 innings because of the blister.

Fans invited to attend exclusive fundraising event for Shannon's fund on May 18

2013-05-09T18:59:05Z

Prior to their game against the Tampa Bay Rays next Saturday, May 18, the Orioles will host an exclusive fundraising event for Shannon's Fund, an endowment at the University of Maryland Medical Center that provides financial assistance to hospital patients in need. For $50, fans will receive a left field lower box game ticket and enjoy a pre-game party on the Roof Deck that will include visits from Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick, Dave Johnson, a current Orioles player and other former Orioles. The deadline to purchase tickets for this event has been extended to Tuesday, May 14.

The Oriole Bird will also pose for photos with fans attending the event, which will take place from 1:45-3:30 p.m. Light refreshments, including two complimentary drink tickets, will be included, along with an Orioles gift bag for each guest. Tickets for the Shannon's Fund event are available at www.orioles.com/shannonsfund. The Orioles' game against the Rays will begin at 4:05 p.m.

From the time gates open until 6:00 p.m., the Orioles will conduct a silent auction of Orioles memorabilia and autographed items on the main concourse behind home plate, with proceeds to benefit Shannon's Fund. Items available for bid include:

· Two clubhouse daily passes for the 2013 AT&T National Golf Tournament at Congressional Country Club in Washington, DC, June 24-30
· A lineup card from Game 2 of the 2012 AL Division Series
· An autographed Cal Ripken 2131 baseball
· Autographed jerseys from Jim Johnson, Darren O'Day, Brian Roberts and Mike Bordick
· Autographed bobbleheads of Brooks Robinson, Buck Showalter, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones
· An autographed bat and batting gloves from Nick Markakis
· A lineup card from Chris Davis' first game, autographed by Davis
· A batting practice cap autographed by Jason Hammel
· Autographed baseballs from Manny Machado, Nate McLouth and Buck Showalter
· Autographed baseballs from Joe Flacco, ED REED, Alex Ovechkin, Michael Phelps, Tom Hanks, Owen Wilson and Carly Rae Jepsen

This is the second year the event has been held. Last year's event raised $10,000 for Shannon's Fund.

In 2008, the Orioles and OriolesREACH established Shannon's Fund, an endowment at the University of Maryland Medical Center to provide financial assistance to hospital patients and their families. Created in memory of Shannon Obaker, the team's former Director of Community Outreach who bravely fought cancer for over a year before passing away in 2007 at age 29, Shannon's Fund is administered by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Funds are donated to patients and their family members as need arises to assist with the general expenses associated with the treatment process, including hospital parking, alternate housing, food costs and household bills.

People who knew Shannon knew of her passion for helping others, especially children and animals. In her role as Community Outreach Director, Shannon coordinated charitable donation requests, scheduled player appearances in the community and arranged special visits for sick children who wanted to meet their baseball heroes. The Orioles and the Obaker family believe that the most meaningful way to remember Shannon is to reach out to help others because that is what Shannon cared about most.

Orioles launch Vote Orange Rewards Program for fans

2013-05-07T16:56:15Z

In-park voting for the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game begins tonight at Oriole Park, and the Orioles have launched a ballpark "Vote Orange Rewards Program" to encourage fans to vote to make sure the team is well-represented at the Midsummer Classic. Fans who complete as few as 50 paper ballots and submit them by the sixth inning will be eligible to win an autographed photo at each home game and have their name displayed on the center field video board as the "Voter of the Game." Rewards for higher vote totals include buttons, t-shirts, autographed baseballs, a catered suite and an on-field batting practice visit. The top voter during the seven-week program will have the opportunity for a meet and greet with one of the Orioles' 2013 All-Stars.

The Vote Orange Rewards Booth will be located on Eutaw Street outside of the Camden Lobby, where fans can register for the program and pick up their ballots. Fans must register for the program and return their ballots before June 25 to be eligible for the rewards. In case of inclement weather, the booth will be moved inside the concourse adjacent to Gate D.

A complete list of Vote Orange rewards is below.

Vote Orange Rewards:
· 50 ballots Entered to win an Autographed Photo each home game
Winner's name displayed on scoreboard in 7th inning (ballots must be returned by the 6th inning)
·100 ballots Vote Orange Button
·350 ballots Vote Orange T-Shirt
·750 ballots Entered to win one of 10 autographed baseballs by an Orioles Player (10 randomly selected fans)
·1,500 ballots 2012 Team Signed Ball and "The Buckle Up Birds" DVD(first 25 fans)
·3,000 ballots Two (2) Field Box seats for Orioles vs. Mariners on August 4 and an Autograph Prize Pack
·10,000 ballots 12-Person Catered Suite for 2013 season (first 3 fans)
·Top Five Voters On-field, pre-game viewing of Batting Practice
·Top Voter Meet and Greet with a 2013 Orioles All-Star

More information is available at www.orioles.com/voteorange. Fans may also vote online for Orioles players up to 35 times per email address at the website through July 4.

Orioles ask fans to nominate a veteran to represent the team at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game

2013-05-06T19:15:27Z

The Orioles are proud to support Major League Baseball in the PEOPLE Magazine Tribute for Heroes program and are asking fans to nominate a veteran to represent the Baltimore Orioles at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.

Fans may nominate a veteran who has served, or is still serving in the armed forces at www.tributeforheroes.com and are encouraged to include information about the nominee's extraordinary military, community service, personal and professional accomplishments. One veteran or active military service member will be selected to represent each major league team at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game on July 16 at Citi Field in New York. The nomination deadline is May 17.

The Orioles are fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated military personnel throughout our region, and the organization appreciates all of those who risk their lives each day for our country. To learn about the Orioles' military programs, including Military Sundays, ticket discounts and more, fans should visit www.orioles.com/military.