Orioles acquire catcher Torrens, Krehbiel DFA

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The Orioles today announced that they have acquired catcher LUIS TORRENS from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

Torrens, 27, has appeared in 13 games with the Cubs this season, slashing .250/.318/.300 (5-for-20) with one double, one run scored, three RBI, and one walk. He signed with Chicago-NL as a minor league free agent in January after spending the last two seasons with the Mariners. Seattle acquired Torrens from San Diego at the trade deadline in 2020 as part of a seven-player deal that included Austin Nola going to the Padres and Ty France also going to the Mariners. Torrens was selected second overall in the 2016 Rule 5 Draft by the Cincinnati Reds from the New York Yankees before being acquired by the Padres shortly after. A native of Venezuela, he was originally signed by the Yankees as an international free agent in 2013.

He has not yet reported.

Additionally, right-handed pitcher JOEY KREHBIEL has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Nationals recall RHP Irvin, activate Vargas

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The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Jake Irvin from Triple-A Rochester, returned from rehab and reinstated infielder Ildemaro Vargas from the Injured List and optioned infielder Jeter Downs to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. The Nationals optioned right-handed pitcher Cory Abbott on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Irvin, 26, is scheduled to start and make his Major League debut tonight against the Chicago Cubs. He joins the Nationals after beginning the season with Triple-A Rochester. In his last start on April 26 against St. Paul (MIN), Irvin struck out six in 5.1 innings and allowed two runs on five hits and three walks. In five starts for the Red Wings in 2023, Irvin is 2-2 with a 5.64 ERA (14 ER/22.1 IP), working at least 5.0 innings in four of his last five outings since April 8.

A native of Edina, Minn., Irvin was selected by the Nationals in the fourth round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft from the University of Oklahoma. In four Minor League seasons, he is 11-14 with a 3.80 ERA in 65 games (61 starts).

Irvin was added to Washington’s 40-man roster following the 2022 season and has the “Best Control” in Washington’s system, per Baseball America. With his start today, he will become the 25th pitcher drafted/signed and developed by the Washington Nationals to start a game for Washington (2005-pres.).

Vargas returns to Washington after missing 18 games with a right shoulder strain. He played in seven games for the Nationals before his injury going 1-for-12 with a walk and two runs scored. Vargas played in three games on rehab assignment for Triple-A Rochester and went 1-for-10 with a walk.

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Félix Bautista named April AL Reliever of the Month

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Closer Félix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles has been voted the American League Reliever of the Month for April, and All-Star closer Josh Hader of the San Diego Padres has been voted the National League Reliever of the Month for April.

Bautista earned his first career Reliever of the Month Award and became just the second Orioles pitcher to win the award since its inception in 2005, joining Jim Johnson (May 2012).

Félix Bautista, Baltimore Orioles (@felixbautista_20)
• The 27-year-old made 14 appearances and went 2-1 with seven saves in eight opportunites and a 1.42 ERA. In 13.2 innings pitched, he permitted five runs (two earned) on nine hits with seven walks and 25 strikeouts.
• His seven saves tied for third in the AL and were tied for fifth across the Majors.
• The Dominican Republic native struck out 25 of his 58 total batters faced, and his 16.46 strikeouts per nine innings leads all Major League pitchers with at least 13.0 innings pitched.
• The Orioles won 13 of the 14 games in which Bautista appeared, including each of the last 12.
• Bautista, who stands 6’8” and 285 pounds, recorded at least one strikeout in 13 of his 14 appearances, and registered multiple strikeouts in nine of his appearances. In addition, he registered a hitless outing in seven of his games pitched.
• The right-hander closed out his award-winning month with saves in back-to-back appearances on Thursday and Saturday at Detroit, and did not allow a hit in either contest.

Abbott recalled as Kuhl goes to IL

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The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Cory Abbott from Triple-A Rochester and placed right-handed pitcher Chad Kuhl on the 15-day Injured List (retroactive to April 30) with right foot metatarsalgia on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Abbott, 27, joins the Nationals for the first time this season after beginning the season with Triple-A Rochester. In his last start on April 28 against St. Paul (MIN), Abbott struck out 12 in 5.2 innings and allowed just one hit and three walks. For his efforts, he was named International League Pitcher of the Week. In five starts for the Red Wings in 2023, Abbott is 1-3 with a 6.46 ERA (17 ER/23.2 IP). Over his last three starts, Abbott has struck out 24 in 13.2 innings.

Abbott was selected off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on May 4, 2022 and was recalled for the first time on June 17. He went on to enjoy five stints with Washington, making nine starts (0-5, 6.00 ERA, 36 SO) and seven relief appearances (2.00 ERA, 9 SO). He held opponents to a .186 average at home and struck out a total of 13 in his final two starts (seven in 5.0 IP vs. Atlanta Sept. 26 and six in 4.0 IP at New York (NL) Oct. 4).

Kuhl, 30, is 0-2 with a 9.41 ERA in five starts with the Nationals in 2023.

Hall back to Norfolk following doubleheader

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The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Returned 27th man LHP DL Hall to Triple-A Norfolk.

Hall called up for doubleheader

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The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Added LHP DL Hall from Triple-A Norfolk to serve as the 27th man for today’s doubleheader.

Homestand hightlights April 28-May 4 vs. Pirates and Cubs

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After an exciting six-game road trip in which the Nationals claimed two series wins, the Washington Nationals return home for a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by four games against the Chicago Cubs. Single-game tickets for all Nationals home games are on sale now at nats.com/Tickets

This homestand features several fun promotions and events for fans of all ages, with a City Connect Nationals fedora, the first of seven Military Branch Days, and Kids Opening Day, highlighted by a kids rally cap giveaway and the return of Kids Run the Bases.

As a reminder, if you would like to cover any events at Nationals Park, please contact Valerie Todryk Krebs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Gabrielle Scheder-Bieschin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Devon Bridges at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for credentialing information in advance of the event.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 vs. PITTSBURGH PIRATES (7:05 PM ET)

  • City Connect On-Field Wear Date

o   The Nationals sport their cherry blossom-themed City Connect uniforms for all remaining Friday and Saturday home games.

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Ortiz promoted to the big leagues

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

- Recalled INF Joey Ortiz from Triple-A Norfolk. He will wear No. 65 and his first appearance will be his Major League debut.

- Optioned INF Terrin Vavra to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

Orioles baseball continues in Sarasota with extended spring training

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With the Major League Baseball season now underway, the Orioles’ year-round baseball operations continue in Sarasota with Extended Spring Training. The public is invited to watch Orioles minor league players in action at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in April, May, and June. Baltimore’s farm system is currently rated as the top player development system in baseball, according to Baseball AmericaESPN, and MLB Pipeline

Gates open 30 minutes before game time and there is no charge to attend the games, which will be held on the Main Field unless otherwise noted. Free parking is available in the East Lot. Stadium entry is located at the Left Field Gate, and seating is restricted to sections 116-125 and 216-225. Concession stands will be closed. Game times and locations are subject to change without notice due to weather and field conditions.

 

ORIOLES 2023 EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING HOME GAMES

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Holliday promoted to High-A

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ABERDEEN, Md. - JACKSON HOLLIDAY, Baltimore Orioles’ 2022 1st overall draft  pick, has been promoted from the Delmarva Shorebirds (Single-A) to the Aberdeen IronBirds (Advanced-A), the Orioles  announced today. Holliday, son of retired Major League 7-time  All-Star Matt Holliday, re-joined the Shorebirds out of 2023 Spring Training, having posted a .297/.489/.422 line in 20 games in 2022. His 2023 campaign is more of the same, with .392/.503/.530 in 51 at bats this year, including 2 home runs and 15 RBI. Holliday has also posted highlight  reel plays on defense, adding to his overall scouting profile. “The IronBirds are thrilled to have Jackson  joining us here in Aberdeen to play in Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium,” celebrated Jack Graham, IronBirds  GM. “He’s a special player and we are thrilled to have him joining the ranks of players who have stopped  in Harford County on their journey through Birdland.” 

Holliday joins the team as they begin a road series in Wilmington, Delaware, against their cross-border  rivals the BlueRocks, Advanced-A Washington Nationals affiliate. His presence will provide a jolt for the IronBirds team as they enter their fourth series of the season, which began on April 6th. Tickets for games  in Wilmington can be purchased by visiting www.bluerocks.com, and tickets for IronBirds games beginning  May 9th can be purchased at www.ironbirdsbaseball.com, or by calling (410) 297-9292. 

 

Orioles announce 2023 Birdland Summer Music Series, presented by Miller Lite

The Orioles today announced the return of the Birdland Summer Music Series, presented by Miller Lite, which includes three postgame concerts at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This year’s lineup will include performances by multi-platinum selling artist Andy Grammer on Saturday, May 27, DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal, on Friday, June 30, and Brett Young on Friday, September 15.

Birdland Summer Music Series Schedule, presented by Miller Lite:

ARTIST

DATE

FIRST PITCH

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Bradish activated for start, Gillaspie to Norfolk

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated RHP Kyle Bradish from the 15-day Injured List. He will start tonight’s game.
  • Optioned RHP Logan Gillaspie to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

Orioles reinstate Keegan Akin, option Spenser Watkins

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The Orioles have reinstated LHP Keegan Akin from the paternity list and optioned RHP Spenser Watkins to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

Chance to win $50,000 for Orioles 50th home run through lottery promotion

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Just 15 games into the season and the Orioles are setting a blistering pace for slugging and home runs. The Orioles 2023 HR total is in the top 5 of the American League. Led by Ryan Mountcastle and Adley Rutschman, the birds have been belting it out of the park regularly. And that pace could continue. The Birds will soon be facing several teams that lead the majors in home runs allowed.

While the Orioles have been making news for their home run celebrations, some of the fans have had hundreds and thousands of reasons to express their own excitement. Those excited fans are the Maryland Lottery’s Home Run Riches Contestants of the Game. In their first 15 games the Orioles have hit 22 HRs, winning $19,000 for the Lottery’s Home Run Riches Contestants of the Game. 

And as the home run tally climbs, excitement is building for what will be the Orioles’ 50th home run and a $50,000 payout for one of the lucky fans picked in the Maryland Lottery’s Home Run Riches Contestant of the Game promotion. They could get to 50 before the end of May — so now’s the time to enter! Contestants of the Game are drawn monthly, and the winners for the 28 games in May will be selected on April 25. The deadline to be part of that drawing is 11:59 p.m. on April 24. 

The Maryland Lottery is holding monthly drawings to select Contestants of the Game for each of the Orioles’ 162 regular season games. Each winner receives $500 for being picked, and will be designated as the Contestant of the Game for an upcoming Orioles matchup. They’ll also win an additional $500 for each home run the Orioles hit during their designated game. 

In celebration of the Maryland Lottery’s 50th anniversary, the Lottery will also be giving away a second $50,000 prize in the promotion’s final drawing on Aug. 29. 

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Orioles recall Cano, Watkins; Irvin optioned, Akin to paternity list

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled RHP Yennier Cano from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Recalled RHP Spenser Watkins from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Placed LHP Keegan Akin on the Paternity List.
  • Optioned LHP Cole Irvin to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

Bemboom clears waivers, goes to Norfolk

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The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • C Anthony Bemboom has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

Homestand highlights for April 14-14

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After a seven-game road trip, the Washington Nationals return home with a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians, followed by two games against the Baltimore Orioles in the Beltway Series presented by Inova. Single-game tickets for all Nationals home games are on sale now at nats.com/Tickets

 

This second homestand of the season features several fun promotions and events for fans of all ages, including a Josiah Gray bobblehead presented by Coca-Cola, two Nationals College Day Series games and the first of six Pups in the Park events.

 

As a reminder, if you would like to cover any events at Nationals Park, please contact Valerie Todryk Krebs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Gabrielle Scheder-Bieschin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Devon Bridges at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for credentialing information in advance of the event.

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O's select O'Hearn's contract, DFA Bemboom

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contract of INF/OF Ryan O’Hearn from Triple-A Norfolk. He will wear No. 32.
  • Designated C Anthony Bemboom for assignment.

Nationals recall Downs, send Vargas to IL

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The Washington Nationals recalled infielder Jeter Downs from Triple-A Rochester and placed infielder/outfielder Ildemaro Vargas on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to April 10) with a left shoulder strain on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Downs, 24, joins the Nationals for the first time this season after being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Dec. 22, 2022. He entered the 2023 season as one of only three Minor Leaguers with at least 80 doubles, 70 home runs and 100 stolen bases since the start of 2017. Downs was rated as high as the No. 2 prospect in Boston’s Minor League system, according to Baseball America, in 2020 before coming in at No. 3 in 2021 and No. 6 in 2022.

Downs appeared in six games for Triple-A Rochester this season, going 2-for-19 (.105) with two doubles, two walks, one stolen base and one run scored. He played five games at shortstop and one in center field.

The right-handed hitting Downs made his Major League debut on June 22, 2022 vs. Detroit and went on to enjoy two stints with Boston last season. He hit .154 (6-for-39) with one double, one homer, four RBI, one walk and four runs scored in 14 Major League games.

A native of San Andrés, Colombia, Downs was selected in the first round (No. 32 overall) of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft. He graduated from Monsignor Edward Pace (FL) High School in Miami.

This Week at the Yard (April 8-14)

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APRIL 8 vs. NYY

PREGAME CEREMONY: Ramón Urías 2022 Gold Glove Award 

URÍAS will be presented with his Gold Glove Award by Manger Brandon Hyde and a Rawlings Representative prior to the game. Urías was named the recipient of the 2022 Gold Glove Award at third base, the first of his career. He became the first Oriole to win a Gold Glove since Manny Machado in 2015. He is just the third Orioles third baseman to ever win the award, joining Machado and Orioles Legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Brooks Robinson. 

PREGAME CEREMONY: Brandon Hyde Baseball America and Sporting News Manager of the Year 

HYDE was voted 2022 Baseball America Manager of the Year, Sporting News AL Manager of the Year and 2022 Baseball Writers' Association of America Manager of the Year Runner Up. Hyde led the O’s to an 83-79 record, his first winning season as manager and the club’s first winning campaign since 2016. He collected his 200th career managerial win on September 1, 2022, in the O's 3-0 win at Cleveland.

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