Some teams complain about an injury bug. The Orioles have a swarm. They can’t swat it, can’t outrun it.

They might be able to spray hits around the ballpark, but nothing that can keep away the infestation.

Six games into their season and five of their players are on the 10- or 15-day injured list – pitchers Zach Eflin, Andrew Kittredge and Keegan Akin, infielder Jackson Holliday and outfielder Heston Kjerstad. A sixth, infielder Jordan Westburg, was transferred yesterday to the 60-day, putting him with closer Félix Bautista and reliever Colin Selby.

The improved depth really is tested here.

Holliday remains on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk, starting again at second base yesterday and going 2-for-3 with a double and walk. His return to the Orioles is coming later this month.

Kittredge began his rehab assignment yesterday and threw 19 pitches in two-thirds of an inning. He allowed a run. The Orioles haven’t shared a set number of appearances before activating him, but he’s also coming back this month.

Akin celebrated his 31st birthday yesterday and, at last check, remained with the club. He’s cleared for baseball activities while recovering from a strained left groin but said he’s “kind of like full-go, just not 100 percent right now.”

Westburg can’t return before May 24 and no one knows if that’s possible after his diagnosis of a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and platelet-rich plasma injection on Feb. 20. The goal is to avoid surgery.

Bautista and Selby also are down until at least May 24, but it’s going to be a lot longer for the former All-Star closer after surgeries in August to repair his labrum and rotator cuff. A late-season return would thrill the Orioles.

Also returning is the mailbag, with today marking the latest sequel to the beloved 2009 original.

That was an All-Star segue.

You ask, mostly about the team’s slow start and injuries and your feelings of panic, and I try to answer and show a modicum of empathy.

Editing is minimal here, of course. Can’t wait to meet the one person who cares about possible changes in length, clarity, style, brevity or Bravo.

Also, my mailbag moves to the front of the TSA lines and your mailbag is ordered out of the line and strip searched … in the daily garage.

In the latest edition of “As the Roster Churns,” when is Jackson Holliday most likely to be recalled and who will be the corresponding transaction? And don’t say your mother!
I’d never! And certainly not in the first response. The Orioles don’t have or share timelines. We’ve been saying mid-April. Seems like a solid estimate. He’s played in four rehab games with Triple-A Norfolk and had a single, double and walk yesterday. There’s no reason to rush, especially this early in the season. Now, for the second part of your question. I hate speculating on guys losing jobs or getting sent down, but two possibilities are to option Jeremiah Jackson or designate Leody Taveras for assignment. Those are rotten outcomes. Jackson had a hit and two RBIs yesterday, swings a pretty good bat and is useful in his utility role. Taveras is a natural center fielder, which makes him rare on this club, and he reached base four times yesterday in his first start, including a two-run double. The hope would be that he’d go unclaimed on waivers based on his $2 million contract. Ah, such a pleasant problem for the front office.

How concerning is the drop in velocity we saw from Kyle Bradish on Saturday? Or will we find out on Friday?
Let’s wait for the weather to warm up for him, which it surprisingly is doing in Pittsburgh. He didn’t use the cold as an excuse for his sinker averaging 94.5 mph in the first inning and 91.6 by the fifth, but I’m going to do it for him. I’ll also quote him. “I think, when it gets later on in the season, velocity will stay the same.” Also, Bradish was making was his first start. I wouldn’t obsess over the radar gun at this point. Like you said, let’s see what happens against the Pirates.

Albert Suárez got a three-inning save on Wednesday. Any fun facts you can share?
Slugs have four noses.

About Albert Suárez’s save?
Well, it was his second in the majors and the other came in 2017 with the Giants. That’s a big gap. We’re talkin’ eight years and 238 days. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the longest stretch between saves since Marcus Stroman on Sept. 26, 2014 with the Blue Jays and Sept. 17, 2024 with the Yankees, for a total of nine years and 357 days. Also, Suárez became the third Oriole to earn a save of three or more innings in his season debut after Mickey Weston on June 18, 1989 and Sammy Stewart in 1985, 1981 and 1979. Yeah, the Sammy Stewart who isn’t in the Orioles Hall of Fame. But I digress …

Were you surprised that George is our top prospect?
That’s Nate George, and you’re using MLB Pipeline’s rankings. The surprise for me is that Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers graduated from prospect status. I never know how that works because outlets have different rules. The duo is 1-2 in Baseball America, with George fourth after pitcher Trey Gibson. However, both players exceeded Pipeline’s at-bat criteria. Beyond that, yeah, a little surprised because he was in rookie ball last year before moving up two more levels, he’s 19 years old and he was unranked at one point. That’s one heck of a jump. But look at his numbers and watch him play. Talk to scouts about him. Listen to his managers. “If you didn’t know who Nate George was, there’s no way you can hide it anymore,” said Florida Complex League manager Christian Frias. “He’s opened up some eyes since last year.” And not just from being surprised by him.

How do you feel about the ABS system?
I’m already tired of it, which is unfortunate after one week. I’m tired of hearing about it and tired of reading about it. The number of combined challenges, the amount that were correct, the first ejection, the first walk-off. I’m gonna walk off the roof of the warehouse if I have to endure this for an entire season. I’m pretty sure that some members of the baseball media are starting to lactate over it, and that’s just the guys. But seriously, it sort of reminds me of the obsession over the pitch clock. When is the last time anyone brought that up? I can’t remember the last time I checked it. So this, too, shall pass – until an appeal influences the outcome of an important game.

I just meant do you think it’s good for baseball?
Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Get the call right. That’s the most important thing. However, 10 challenges is extreme. I approved of the system because it didn’t slow the game. Ten slows the game. But it can be avoided with a competent umpire, and fans seem to enjoy it. It’s like the game within the game. But please, no wagering.

Who do you see in the minors that has the best chance to be an impactful reliever if called up?
I would have said Anthony Nunez but he’s already with the club. Cameron Foster is on my list. He had a rough debut outing with three runs and four hits allowed in an inning, but he retired all four batters faced yesterday and struck out two. Jackson Kowar brings serious heat but must improve his walk ratio. If he throws strikes, he can be a weapon. Chayce McDermott, too. I’ll also put my own spin on your question and mention a couple of Norfolk starters: Brandon Young and Cade Povich. Perhaps they get a shot at long relief. Young allowed one run in five innings yesterday.

How much pressure is on the manager to play Samuel Basallo every day because of the contract they gave him?
The same as the pressure that Craig Albernaz feels to start Shane Baz every day and go with a one-man rotation.

So no pressure?
None. Albernaz will do what’s best for the team. Having Basallo in the lineup on most days is best for the team. Isn’t that convenient? Basallo already had a day off and we’re a week into the season. Salaries aren’t the deciding factor in playing time. Ask Ryan Mountcastle.

Who hit the farthest home run you’ve ever seen in person (anecdotally, you don’t need to provide exact distance?) And how many games until Pete Alonso is the answer to that question?
I was in Colorado for Orioles legend Keon Broxton’s 474-foot blast on May 24, 2019. I can’t remember whether I was in Kansas City for Jonathan Schoop’s 484-foot homer on Aug. 26, 2015. Manny Machado deposited a Rick Porcello sinker into the second deck at Camden Yards on June 2, 2017, but I’ve witnessed a few of those over the years. I can’t forget Carlos Correa going 475 against Aaron Brooks on Aug. 10, 2019 – the longest in Camden Yards history. He cleared both bullpens.

And Alonso?
By the All-Star break.

How’s the press box view compared to how it used to be? Much worse or slightly worse?
I’m making the adjustment to the new angle. I have a much easier time deciding fair or foul down the right field line. There’s a column separating two windows that blocks my view of the left field line, but I just have to lean forward or back to find the ball. The windows are worth it. Kept mine down for the 46-degree first pitch on Saturday. Leave it down pregame to block out noise while transcribing interviews. Open it for games with the warmer weather. But you only asked about the view. Much better than the vast majority of ballparks.

Is Taylor Ward our emergency catcher?
That appears to be the case. He’s done it. Previous emergency catchers had no experience. If they wore a mask, they were going door-to-door asking for candy. Obviously, the Orioles hope that Ward doesn’t have to move behind the plate, but that’s why it’s called an “emergency.”

Has anyone with the Orioles mentioned why they decided to resurrect the 1998-2011 Bird logo this season? I’ve never thought it was a good variation of an Oriole bird logo and it’s linked to a not-so-great time in franchise history.
It’s just an alternate logo. The cartoon bird remains the primary one. Slap it on a t-shirt, hoodie or cap and people will buy it. I don’t think many fans can name the exact years that it was featured. Kudos to you. But you’ve got a long way to go to match Tom Davis, who can explain the piping on the sleeves and degree of slant on the jersey lettering.

Man, I’m bummed about Zach Eflin. Is there any chance he’s not done for the year? (And maybe next?)
We need to hear the results of his MRI. Albernaz didn’t have an update after yesterday’s game. I’m sure there will be one by Friday, if not sooner. Hearing “elbow” sets off alarms. Hopefully, it’s just a little inflammation and rest cures it. Maybe a cortisone shot. Let’s avoid worst-case for now. Knowing how upset everyone is in the organization doesn’t exactly ease the concerns, but any type of setback would draw a similar reaction.  

We back or no?
It fluctuates.

How are you adjusting to the new press box? Have you accidently tried to walk into the new super-exclusive club and gotten barred at the door by security?
I’m still figuring out at times how to get from Point A to Point B with some of the renovations. For instance, going from the press box to the fifth floor of the warehouse to pick up an expense check. I went up a different elevator and had to ask for directions. Turns out, you just walk toward the warehouse, go down one flight of stairs, look down and wave at the people on Eutaw Street who are waiting for the gates to open, go through a set of glass doors and wind your way down the hall. I’m getting used to the press box. Love the windows. Still a terrific view. And I know to hang a left on my way there instead of going straight into the Truist Club. That’s the truest way to get redirected fast.

Overall, from your perspective, what does the Orioles’ greatest strength and greatest weakness look like six games into the season?
We won’t count injuries as a weakness. Some things are just unavoidable. This lineup should be able to score runs in bunches. It’s been inconsistent in a small sample size, but it’s impressive top to bottom. Trevor Rogers atop the rotation also is an advantage. Meanwhile, the bullpen had a 5.40 ERA before Albert Suárez held the Rangers to one run yesterday in three innings and lowered the mark to 5.09. Losing Andrew Kittredge and Keegan Akin made the unit even more vulnerable and you can expect much of the roster churn to happen in the ‘pen.

If I had an extra $500 million, could I give it to Rubenstein and Elias and ask them to extend Gunnar?
Who’s gonna pony up the rest?

Will the Orioles make the playoffs?
Hard to say. I don’t know what other injuries await them or trade deadline moves. I don’t know what’s going to happen to other teams in their division. I don’t know which players will progress or regress. In other words, it’s just guessing. But I think they have the potential to make it and I’d expect Mike Elias to orchestrate a bold move to fill a need for the stretch run. Losing Eflin would be a big blow because we’ve seen him pitch like an ace when he’s healthy. That’s a skilled starter at No. 5. The bullpen can’t hold up if the rotation puts too much pressure on it. But I think this is at least a Wild Card team if injuries don’t tear it apart. If players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman are at their best. If Jackson Holliday plays like a one-one and Jordan Westburg returns and Taylor Ward and Tyler O’Neill are 30-homer guys again, and …

What’s your thoughts on the new press box?
It’s fine, it’s fine.

After seeing him in the WBC, I think Micah Ashman might make his major league debut this year. What say you?
I say that “what say you” is like nails on a chalkboard to me, but you’re forgiven. I won’t discount Ashman completely. He could advance to Triple-A and be a phone call away. But that might be a tall order for the 6-foot-7 lefty, who came to the Orioles from the Tigers in the Charlie Morton deadline trade. He might need another season. I honestly don’t know. The guy could dominate and leapfrog other relievers ahead of him. But right now I can’t say that he’s knocking on any doors. The Orioles liked him enough to trade for him, so there’s that.

When are you cutting back on the amount of articles you write?
I’m going to shift away from nightly game stories, though there will be exceptions at home and in Pittsburgh this weekend. I don’t intend to write seven days a week, but I also didn’t intend to do many other things in my life and they happened anyway. Try explaining that to the police. I’m sort of playing it by ear right now. What feels right, what I have time to do. And we’ll go from there. But you can always gather here, even if there isn’t a “fresh” article. Stale works, too. It’s in my mother’s stuffing recipe.

Is there any chance (greater than a snowball’s chance in Hades) that Jackson Holliday gets optioned if he struggles in Norfolk and Jeremiah Jackson is hitting decently?
That isn’t happening. Holliday is the second baseman unless he plays his way back to Triple-A, and it would have to be a disastrous stretch. I don’t think he should be leading off, but he should be in the lineup on most nights.

Was the Orioles’ flight delayed at BWI tonight due to the weather? It was listed that flights were on a 1:24 delay and growing. Looks like it was taxiing for  two hours because it just landed in Pittsburgh 20 minutes ago from their original 5:37 p.m. departing flight time for the one hour flight.
Wow, that’s creepy. I mean, I don’t know. Sorry.

What’s the plan at this point for Dean Kremer?
I’d sure like to know. Many of us jumped to the conclusion that Kremer would be recalled with Zach Eflin going on the IL. Kremer couldn’t return this soon unless replacing an injured player. But the Orioles didn’t need a fifth starter until Tuesday and the bullpen was fried, which is why Albert Suárez had his contract selected. Guess Kremer wasn’t a consideration for the ‘pen. I thought the Orioles might option a reliever to bring up Suárez and also add Kremer. That was incorrect. For now, Kremer is listed as Friday’s starter with Norfolk. Guess he could stay down until eligible to return with no strings attached and the Orioles need him.

I see that Hans Crouse is on the minor league seven-day IL. Have you heard what his injury may be?
Sorry, no. But he only made one appearance in spring training after coming back from a torn lat muscle in 2025. He might need more time before being ready for relief duty with Norfolk.

Is it a concern that our pitchers don’t strike many guys out, leading to lots of contact, but our defense is not good?
The Orioles have struck out 58 batters to rank 14th in the majors. Pretty much middle-of-the-pack, which isn’t great or terrible. That’s pretty much what middle-of-the-pack means. I talked to scouts in spring training who expressed concerns over the team’s defense, especially with Jordan Westburg hurt. We’ve seen some really good plays and some not-so-good. It’s too soon to offer any grades. But I know where you were going with this question. The defense is an area that will be scrutinized. The metrics can hurt some feelings.

Are there any other cute holiday nicknames in camp other than “Big Christmas?” Does anyone fit the profile of “Pumpkin Face or Turkey Neck?”
Sorry, this is an old one. Too bad Donnie Hart isn’t around anymore. And this is probably a good place to stop.

Does $16.50 seems like a reasonable price for a beer at the stadium?
Is it served in Sydney Sweeney’s hands? And this is definitely a good place to stop.