The Orioles are continuing March and April’s hit parade this May with a smattering of taters up and down the lineup, and the slugging performances have kept Mr. Splash busy at Camden Yards. But as the fans were cooling down in the Bird Bath Splash Zone, the excitement was also heating up for the Orioles’ 50th home run of the season, all due to the Maryland Lottery’s Home Run Riches Contestant of the Game Promotion. 

When would it happen? Who would hit it? And who would be the Lottery’s Contestant of the Game at the time? Those questions have been on the minds of Orioles fans and Lottery players alike with each Orioles home run because when the team’s 50th homer was hit, someone was going to win a $50,000 prize!

The answers to these questions came on May 16 during the second game of the Orioles’ series against the Los Angeles Angels when two Ryans — O’Hearn and Mountcastle — went yard, hitting the 50 home run mark and winning Shady Side, Md. resident Barbara Phelps Anderson a total of $51,500!

In the 2023 campaign, the Birds have hit 53 HRs, winning the Lottery’s Home Run Riches Contestants of the Game $98,500. Contestants of the Game are drawn monthly, and the winners for the 24 games in June will be selected on May 23. The deadline to be part of that drawing is 11:59 p.m. on May 22.

The Maryland Lottery selects a Contestant of the Game for each of the Orioles’ 162 regular season games. Each winner receives $500 for being picked and is 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. 

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled LHP Cole Irvin from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Optioned RHP Logan Gillaspie to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

The Washington Nationals returned from rehab and reinstated outfielder Corey Dickerson from the 10-day Injured List and optioned infielder/outfielder Jake Alu to Triple-A Rochester on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Dickerson, 33, saw action in two games this season before he was placed on the Injured List with a left calf strain on April 2. In three games with Triple-A Rochester on rehab assignment, he went 2-for-10 with a double and a walk. Last season, Dickerson hit .267 with 17 doubles, a triple, six home runs, 36 RBI and 12 walks in 96 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. He also collected two hits in six at-bats (.333) during the 2022 Postseason.  

Dickerson has hit .281 with a .324 on-base percentage and a .480 slugging percentage in 1,036 games across 11 Major League seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals. He recorded 230 doubles, 36 triples, 134 home runs, 452 RBI, 220 walks and 471 runs scored in that time fame. Dickerson was named an American League All-Star in 2017 with Tampa Bay and won a National League Rawlings Gold Glove in 2018 with Pittsburgh.

Alu, 26, played in three games for Washington. He went 1-for-9 with a walk and a stolen base while starting three games in left field.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled RHP Logan Gillaspie from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Optioned OF Kyle Stowers to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Recalled LHP Nick Vespi from Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Optioned LHP Drew Rom to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday's game.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• RHP Joey Krehbiel has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Washington Nationals recalled infielder Jake Alu from Triple-A Rochester, and placed outfielder Victor Robles on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to May 7) with back spasms on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Alu, 26, joins the Nationals after going 6-for-21 (.286) with two doubles, one homer, three RBI, two walks and two runs scored over his last six games with Triple-A Rochester. He hit his second home run of the year on Sunday. Overall, Alu hit .247 with four doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks and three stolen bases in 21 games for the Red Wings. He appeared at third base (16 G), left field (2 G), designated hitter (2 G) and second base (1 G).

Alu was the 2022 “Nationals Way” Award winner after he led Washington’s Minor League system in average (.298), slugging percentage (.507), OPS (.872), doubles (40), extra-base hits (62) and total bases (252). He finished the season on a 20-game on-base streak, hitting in each of the final 14 games and tallying hits in 19 of 20 games during the streak. At third base, Alu led all of Minor League Baseball (infielders and outfielders) with 17 defensive runs saved, according to Baseball Info Solutions.

A former 24th-round pick from Boston College, Alu was added to Washington’s 40-man roster following the 2022 season. If he appears in a game with Washington, he will be the lowest drafted position player to make his Major League debut with the Washington Nationals in team history (2005-pres.).

Robles, 25, is hitting .292 with four doubles, a triple, eight RBI and eight stolen bases in 31 games this season.

In case you missed it, Washington Nationals were honored by MLB as the 2022 Green Glove Award finalist for the National League East. The team led the division in waste diversion, which is done through practices such as recycling, composting, food donations and energy recovery. This is the third year in a row that the Nationals have received this honor. 

The Nationals remain committed to bringing baseball to the region sustainably. Recent efforts have included: installing the first two Reverse Vending Machines in MLB, with the machines having recycled thousands of items since August and encouraging the practice among fans with the chance to win fun prizes; teaming up with WGL Energy and Chesapeake Bay Foundation to plant trees for every Nationals run scored at home; recycling last season’s playing field, creating 680 tons of topsoil to be used in other community projects; and continuing to harvest hundreds of pounds of food from the ballpark’s rooftop garden, which is distributed to local communities.

You can learn more about the the Nationals' sustainability efforts here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

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

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Added LHP DL Hall from Triple-A Norfolk to serve as the 27^th 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: