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.
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.
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.
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 America, ESPN, 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
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.
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 |
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.
The Orioles have reinstated LHP Keegan Akin from the paternity list and optioned RHP Spenser Watkins to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.
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.
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.
The Orioles have made the following roster move:
- C Anthony Bemboom has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Annual promotion will deliver two $50,000 prizes, including one for the O’s 50th home run of 2023
With the 2023 season underway, Orioles fans are enjoying a new level of excitement. Last season brought the first fruits of a years-long rebuild, as the O’s registered a winning record for the first time since 2016 and stayed in the hunt for a playoff berth all the way through September. Throughout last season, there was a sense that something special was going to happen each game and that there are even bigger moments ahead.
Some of the fans hoping for big moments from the Orioles in 2023 are also participating in this year’s Home Run Riches Contestant of the Game promotion from the Maryland Lottery. The fan-favorite Home Run Riches FAST PLAY game and second-chance promotion are back this year and even bigger than before.
The Maryland Lottery will again hold 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.
Last year, the Orioles slugged 171 home runs, led by 33 from outfielder Anthony Santander. The $500 for each of those homers, combined with the $500 each Contestant of the Game won for being drawn, delivered a total of $166,500 prizes.
The Orioles today have announced plans to welcome fans back to Oriole Park for the 2023 season during the club’s Home Opener on Friday, April 7, at 3:05 p.m. ET against the New York Yankees. The originally scheduled Home Opener was slated for today, Thursday, April 6, but was postponed due to the forecast of severe inclement weather.
Home Opener Celebrations
Festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a special pre-game ceremony emceed by Orioles broadcaster KEVIN BROWN. The Home Opener will feature:
- National Anthem: PARIJITA BASTOLA will perform her rendition of the national anthem prior to the game. A Severna Park, Md. native and team John Legend contestant on season 22 of NBC’s “The Voice,” Bastola also performed at Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s inauguration earlier this year. A 30’ x 42’ flag from Fort McHenry will be lowered from the batter’s eye during the performance. The flag is a replica of the one that flew over Fort McHenry when Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem.
- Honor Guard: Colors will be presented by members of THE BALTIMORE CITY POLICE HONOR GUARD and BALTIMORE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT HONOR GUARD.
- Flag Kids: Children from the YMCA of Central Maryland will line the orange carpet, holding Orioles flags during the pregame ceremony.
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Maryland’s 63rd Governor, WES MOORE, and his children, MIA and JAMES, will throw out ceremonial first pitches prior to the game. Moore was sworn in as Maryland’s Governor on January 18, 2023. The historic event made Moore Maryland’s first Black governor, and the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States.
- Mo Gaba’s Fan of the Year: The Orioles will recognize MERRILL HEIM, also known as “Fired Up Guy,” as Mo Gaba’s Fan of the Year, representing all O’s fans from the 2022 season. A Maryland native, Heim began attending Orioles games with his parents at Memorial Stadium. He, his wife, and their three daughters have since become regulars at Oriole Park. Heim can often be heard yelling “I’m Fired Up. You Fired Up?” from his seats along the first base line. Last year, Heim helped start the home run chain celebration after leaving his home run chain in the care of LOGAN SANDERS, the son of Orioles First Base Coach ANTHONY SANDERS, who shared it with the team. The home run chain celebration became one of the most well-known and popular celebrations throughout Major League Baseball during the 2022 season.
- Ceremonial “Play Ball”: MIA and JAMES MOORE, the children of Maryland Governor WES MOORE, will yell the ceremonial “Play Ball” prior to the game.
- Birdland Community Hero: Again this year, the Orioles will honor and recognize those in our community who have distinguished themselves by selflessly volunteering in fields that care for, serve, teach, protect, and improve the lives of others through the Birdland Community Heroes program. On Thursday, the Orioles will recognize GEOFF MEEHLE, a health and physical education coordinator for Baltimore City Public Schools and the volunteer President of the Society for Health and Physical Educators Maryland. SHAPE Maryland enhances and promotes the health and wellness of all Maryland citizens by providing advocacy, resources, and professional learning opportunities for current and future health and physical education educators. Meehle got involved with SHAPE Maryland to advocate for children and their needs when it comes to their health, physical education, and overall well-being. He believes in the importance of providing health and physical education teachers with resources and opportunities for professional learning and collaboration. As part of his recognition the Orioles Charitable Foundation will make a $5,000 donation to SHAPE Maryland.
- Budweiser Clydesdales: The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will parade from Lee Street to Eutaw Street beginning at 11:30 a.m. They will return to Lee Street at approximately 2:00 p.m.
- Giveaway: All fans in attendance will receive an Orioles 2023 schedule magnet.
- Opening Day Auction: Fans will have the opportunity to bid on game-used memorabilia from the Orioles Home Opener to benefit the Orioles Charitable Foundation and its efforts to support worthy youth and community groups throughout Birdland. The auction will run on Orioles.com/Auction from Monday, April 10, at 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 16, at 10:00 p.m.
New Features at OPACY
- New Retail Experience: As part of a new long-term partnership, the Orioles and Fanatics worked this offseason to make significant investments to elevate the team’s retail footprint and enhance the fan experience, including renovating the Orioles Team Store location in the ground floor of the Warehouse on Eutaw Street. The store now features a new customer journey, including additional point-of-sales options and a Nike concept shop, the ability to customize jerseys on-site, and a Mitchell & Ness concept shop featuring authentic vintage jerseys and apparel.
- Brick & Whistle Food Co.: After announcing Levy as the official hospitality partner earlier this year, the Orioles and Levy created “Brick & Whistle Food Co.,” to provide fans with a one-of-a-kind, exclusive hospitality experience that is synonymous with the historic Baltimore Orioles brand. Brick & Whistle Food Co. B&W will provide new signature offerings highlighting the iconic tastes of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, as well as upgraded technology to allow faster and frictionless check-out options.
- New food offerings include:
- The 410 Menu – available at select locations throughout the ballpark, hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, cracker jacks, peanuts, and select beverages are only $4.10.
- Boog’s BBQ – the famed rolling smoke will make its return to Eutaw Street in 2023 with Boog’s BBQ house-smoked meats on game days.
- “For The Birds” – New signature items include the Buffalo Bird Dog, B’More Chicken Box, Yard Dog, The Havana, Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza, O’s Hand-Rolled Pretzel, and the Crab Pretzel Boule.
- Upgraded technology includes:
- A frictionless dining experience using Zippin technology at the B&O Market located along Eutaw Street, self-service kiosks by Mashgin technology at locations throughout the main concourse, powered by payment technologies using Shift4’s end-to-end commerce ecosystem.
- SuperBook Bar & Restaurant Fans will be able to experience the first-ever sports lounge at Oriole Park as part of the long-term partnership between the Orioles and SuperBook Sports. The SuperBook Bar & Restaurant will provide fans with first-rate food and beverages, as well as a state-of-the-art viewing experience featuring newly installed televisions, odds boards, and sports tickers. The restaurant will officially open its doors to fans during the Orioles Home Opener on Friday, April 7, and will continue to evolve throughout the season. SuperBook Bar & Restaurant will open to fans when gates open for each game.
- Pepsi All-Inclusive Picnic Perch: This offseason, the Orioles upgraded the Pepsi All-Inclusive Picnic Perch to give fans an even better gameday experience. Located in left field, the picnic perch now features televisions and a fresh redesign, including updated graphics and paint. Fans can experience every Orioles home game from the redesigned Pepsi All-Inclusive Picnic Perch. For tickets starting as low as $45, fans receive exclusive access to the Club Level, a Left Field Club seat in sections 282-288, and access to an unlimited food menu. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/PicnicPerch.
Fan Reminders
The Washington Nationals proudly welcomed representatives from the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Embassy of Japan for today’s annual Blossoms & Baseball game.
Prior to today’s event, the NCBF, in partnership with the Embassy, donated a National Cherry Blossom Festival giant cherry blossom sculpture to the Nationals for display at Nationals Park. The sculpture, titled Refresh, Renew, Rebloom, was designed and painted by Prism Specialties Art Restoration. It was temporarily on display in the Navy Yard neighborhood in 2022 and will now be displayed on ballpark’s main concourse near the Washington Suites.
Today’s ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Ambassador of Japan to the United States Koji Tomita.
Last month, the Embassy hosted a World Baseball Classic celebration, including strong cherry blossoms representation, welcoming representatives from the tournament’s participating teams as well as the Washington Nationals and NCBF.
After consultation with Major League Baseball, tomorrow’s Home Opener at Oriole Park at Camden Yards between the Orioles and Yankees has been postponed due to the forecast of severe inclement weather. The game will be made up on Friday, April 7 at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Tickets for tomorrow’s postponed game will be valid for the April 7 game, no exchange necessary. If you are unable to attend on April 7 and are the original ticket purchaser, you can exchange your tickets online at Orioles.com/MyAccount on a dollar-for-dollar basis. All exchanges must be completed before 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit Orioles.com/Weather.
The gates to Oriole Park at Camden Yards will open three hours before first pitch, at 12:00 p.m. Fans attending Friday’s game are encouraged to be in their seats, and fans at home are encouraged to tune to MASN, by 2:20 p.m. to enjoy the Home Opener pregame festivities. All fans in attendance will receive an Orioles 2023 schedule magnet.
Complimentary tickets are non-exchangeable and must be used for Friday’s makeup date.