he Orioles today announced that infielder GUNNAR HENDERSON has been voted the winner of the 2023 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award by members of the local media who cover the team on a regular basis. He will be recognized for his accomplishments during an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

Henderson becomes the fourth rookie to be named the winner of the award since its inception in 1954, joining right-handed pitchers GREGG OLSON in 1989 and RODRIGO LÓPEZ in 2002, as well as catcher ADLEY RUTSCHMAN in 2022.

He enters play today slashing .257/.326/.492 (142-for-553) with 28 doubles, nine triples, 28 home runs, 99 runs scored, 82 RBI, 55 walks, 272 total bases, 10 stolen bases, and an .818 OPS in 148 games. He leads the O’s in runs, surpassing CAL RIPKEN, JR’s. mark of 90 in 1982 for the most in a rookie season in O’s history. He is set to become the fourth rookie to lead the Orioles in runs, joining Ripken, Jr., WILLIE TASBY (1959, 69), and TITO FRANCONA (1956, 62). He is the third rookie in O's history to record 25+ doubles and 25+ home runs, joining Ripken, Jr. and EDDIE MURRAY (1977), who both won American League Rookie of the Year. His 28 homers are tied with Ripken, Jr. for the second-most by a rookie in a season in O's history, behind only RYAN MOUNTCASTLE (33 in 2021), and his 65 extra-base hits are tied with Ripken, Jr. for the most in a rookie season in O's history. He is the first rookie in team history with 20+ doubles, 5+ triples, 20+ homers, and 10+ stolen bases, and the 20^th rookie in Major League Baseball history with such a stat line, joining Arizona's Corbin Carroll this year, and the first in the AL since Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. in 2022.

The Alabama native leads the Orioles and MLB rookies in Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement (bWAR) with 6.1, which ranks third among all AL hitters. That is currently the best bWAR by a rookie in Orioles history, surpassing Rutschman’s mark of 5.2. He leads AL rookies and ranks second on the O’s in FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) with 4.7, which is the third-best mark by a rookie in O’s history, trailing Rutschman and BOBBY GRICH (1972) with 5.4. Henderson also leads the Orioles in triples, ranks tied for the lead in home runs, second in extra-base hits and RBI, tied for second in walks, third in games played, and fourth in hits and stolen bases. Among qualified Orioles batters, he leads the team in slugging and OPS and ranks second in on-base percentage.

Henderson paces MLB rookies in home runs and ranks tied for the lead in extra-base hits. He leads AL rookies in runs, RBI, total bases, triples, and game-winning RBI (10), while ranking among AL rookie leaders in hits (2^nd), doubles (2^nd), and walks (4^th). According to STATS, he leads qualified AL rookies in slugging percentage while ranking among the leaders in OPS (2^nd) and on-base percentage (4^th).

The Orioles announced a renewed partnership with GOVERNOR WES MOORE, the State of Maryland, and the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA). This agreement secures 30 more years of the Orioles at their iconic home of Camden Yards and brings with it the opportunity to reimagine the land surrounding the ballpark, marking private sector investment and development as the centerpieces to revitalize Downtown Baltimore. Additionally, Camden Yards will receive funds to modernize and upgrade much-needed areas of operation. 

This new agreement is the culmination of a complex and innovative vision that began with the restructuring of the Orioles Organization.

“We had three goals in 2019 when we organized the Orioles management team,” said Orioles Chair and Managing Partner JOHN ANGELOS. “We set out to remake the Club to be a consistently competitive winner on the field, and to create a strong business and fiscal foundation to be able to do so at the highest level to sustain that competitiveness – and to completely reinvent and extend the Orioles’ partnership with the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland for the next three decades to ensure that the O’s would be in Baltimore up to and through our 100^th anniversary. We have been very fortunate that we have achieved all of these goals.” 

The partnership with the State of Maryland includes a 99-year ground lease for select areas around the Ballpark north of Lee Street, including the B&O Warehouse and Camden Station, giving way to more private investment opportunities and spurring economic development. Also included in the deal is the changing of hands for operations and maintenance responsibilities from the MSA to the Orioles Organization.

“I could not be more thrilled to spend decades watching the Orioles win titles in Baltimore,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This deal is not only a good use of state resources but will also drive economic growth in downtown and across the city. Today, we take a big step toward a more vibrant and thriving Baltimore–with good-paying jobs, a diversified economy, and opportunity for all. This deal is good for the city and the state, and I’m grateful for the partnership that got us to this day. The Baltimore renaissance is here."

Postseason baseball is an exciting time for any baseball fan. And if you’re an Orioles fan, it’s especially thrilling this season. But with high-stakes baseball also comes national broadcasts and the absence of familiarity from the broadcast crew you’ve spent the last seven months with.

Fear not, Birdland. Your favorite MASN broadcasters aren’t going anywhere in October. They’ll be right alongside the team, bringing you hour-long “O’s Xtra Postseason” shows before first pitch and immediately following every playoff game on MASN.

Each show throughout the O’s October run will provide expert analysis, exclusive player interviews, behind-the-scenes looks and so much more! You won’t find this kind of local, dedicated coverage anywhere else but on “O’s Xtra Postseason” on MASN.

We’ll be updating our coverage here as details are confirmed, but here’s when you can expect to watch “O’s Xtra Postseason” on MASN in October:

Saturday, Oct. 7
ALDS Game 1: Orioles vs. Rangers at 1:03 p.m. on FS1
“O’s Xtra” pregame: Noon on MASN
“O’s Xtra” postgame: Immediately following game on MASN

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Reinstated INF Ryan Mountcastle from the 10-day Injured List (left AC joint inflammation).
• Optioned OF Ryan McKenna to Triple-A Norfolk.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball.”

The Washington Nationals announced the winners of the eighth annual end-of-season awards as voted on by members of the local media. Outfielder Lane Thomas was voted 2023 Nationals Player of the Year, while right-handed pitcher Kyle Finnegan was named Pitcher of the Year. Right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray was given the Good Guy Award, presented to a player for his always-professional dealings with members of the media, his work in the community and for representing the Nationals organization with class both on and off the field.

Thomas, 28, was named Nationals Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He enters play on Friday leading Washington with 26 home runs, 278 total bases, 34 doubles, 96 runs, a .470 slugging percentage and a .790 OPS. He also ranks in the top three in hits (2^nd, 160), RBI (2^nd, 84), stolen bases (2^nd, 19) and on-base percentage (3^rd, .320). Thomas set career highs in 2023 in games (149), at-bats (591), runs, hits, doubles, triples (3), home runs, RBI and stolen bases. Thomas' 34 doubles and 62 extra-base hits are tied for third among National League outfielders. His 26 homers are tied for sixth.

He leads Major League Baseball with a career-high 17 outfield assists and ranks second in Nationals history (2005-pres.) behind only Alfonso Soriano (22 in 2006) for most outfield assists in a single season.

With one more stolen base, Thomas will record the sixth 20 home run - 20 stolen base season in Nationals history (2005-pres.) and the first since 2016.

Since arriving in Washington on Aug. 15, 2021, the Knoxville, Tenn., native is slashing .259/.319/.447, with 74 doubles, seven triples, 50 home runs, 163 RBI, 31 stolen bases and 191 runs in 339 games. He ranks in the top 10 in National League outfielders in doubles (4^th), runs (7^th), RBI (8^th), hits (T8^th) and home runs (10^th) during that time.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled RHP Tyler Wells from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Optioned RHP Mike Baumann to Triple-A Norfolk.

Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner:
“On behalf of my family and the entire Washington Nationals organization, I’d like to congratulate Sean on a fantastic career and thank him for all that he’s done for our city and our franchise. An All-Star and a World Series champion, he was not only a fierce competitor, but is one of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Sean and his wife, Eireann, are great examples of individuals who have used their platform and place in life to advocate for others, and I have no doubt that their impact will continue long beyond Sean’s playing career. We are so happy that they’ve made Washington DC their home, and we hope to see them around the ballpark frequently.”

Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Mike Rizzo:
“When we traded for Sean in 2017, we knew we were getting a tremendous reliever and an even better human, and his tenure with the Nationals proved that to be correct. A World Champion, All-Star, and leader in the clubhouse, Sean set an example of what it means to be a pillar of the community. He was as fierce as they come on the mound and took the ball whenever he was called upon. I’d like to congratulate Sean on his outstanding career and wish him and his wife Eireann the absolute best.”

In recognition of Doolittle’s commitment to club and community, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals, is proud to support SMYAL, an organization supported by Dolittle and his wife, Eireann, that serves local LGBTQ youth as they grow into adulthood. Nationals Philanthropies will match donations up to $6,300 in honor of Doolittle’s No. 63. Fans can visit give.nats4good.org/ThankYouDoo for more information and to donate. 

Doolittle is scheduled to be in attendance at Friday’s game. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:40 p.m., when pregame ceremonies begin.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled OF Ryan McKenna from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Placed INF Ryan Mountcastle on the 10-day Injured List with left AC joint inflammation, retroactive to September 17.

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, the club announced on Wednesday.

Rizzo, 62, is in his 15th year as the head of Nationals baseball operations, and over the last three seasons has overseen the installation of the key pieces that will comprise the organization’s next championship-caliber team. The 2023 Nationals have the chance to record one of the best season-to-season win improvements in team history, and the player development system is considered among the best in baseball.

“Mike and I have talked and worked with each other almost daily for 17 years. Together with my family and the entire Nationals staff, we’ve always shared the same dream: to make the Washington Nationals a team that our fans could love and be proud of,” said Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. “We have all worked collectively to build what was essentially an expansion team with no Major League depth into a contender, and then into a World Series champion. We’ve experienced some tough losing seasons and we’ve hung championship banners, and we’ve done it all together.

“We are once again hard at work to build a championship contender in D.C. We now believe we have the beginnings of a roster filled with promising young players and exciting prospects at nearly every position. While we once talked about winning World Series rings for our baseball-loving fathers, Mike’s family and ours now look forward to winning even more rings for our children and grandchildren — and, of course, for every other Nationals-loving fan and family everywhere. We are excited about our future.”

Rizzo is widely recognized throughout the baseball industry for his sharp eye in scouting, his wise free agent pickups and his ability to construct organizations around acquired talent. Shrewd trades and free agent signings during Rizzo’s tenure with the Nationals have helped the ball club achieve consistent success.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Reinstated LHP John Means from the 60-day Injured List (left elbow UCL surgery). He will start tonight’s game.
• Optioned RHP Joey Krehbiel to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Please find below a statement from Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner:

Stephen Strasburg is and always will be an important part of the Washington Nationals franchise. We support him in any decision he makes and will ensure that he receives what is due to him.

It is regrettable that private discussions have been made public through anonymous sources attempting to negotiate through the media. While we have been following the process required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, behind-the-scenes preparations for a press conference had begun internally. However, no such event was ever confirmed by the team or promoted publicly. It is unfortunate that external leaks in the press have mischaracterized these events. 

It is our hope that ongoing conversations remain private out of respect for the individuals involved. Until then, we look forward to seeing Stephen when we report to Spring Training.

Sincerely,

The Washington Nationals recalled second baseman Luis García from Triple-A Rochester and placed catcher Riley Adams on the 10-day Injured List with a broken left hamate bone (retroactive to Sept. 7) on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

García, 23, returns to the Nationals after hitting .325 (13-for-40) with three doubles, eight RBI, three walks and six runs scored in his last 11 games with the Red Wings. He hit safely in eight of the 11 games, and in his last three games prior to being recalled, went 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles, including a three-hit effort on Sept. 5 at Syracuse (NYM).

García appeared in 100 games for Washington before being optioned on Aug. 3. He hit .259 with 13 doubles, four triples, six homers, 42 RBI, 21 walks, eight stolen bases and 46 runs scored.

Adams, 27, hit .273 with 13 doubles, two triples, four homers, 21 RBI, 11 walks and eight runs scored in 44 games in 2023.

The Orioles and Major League Baseball today announced that pitcher KYLE GIBSON has been named the Orioles’ 2023 nominee for the esteemed Roberto Clemente Award. The most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB, the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One, is the annual recognition of a Major League player from each club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, sportsmanship, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field. 

The Orioles will join all of Major League Baseball in celebrating the 22^nd annual Roberto Clemente Day on Friday, September 15, as they host the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 p.m. ET. This commemorative day was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially acknowledge local club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards, all players will wear a ‘21’ patch on their jersey, and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks. Once again this season, each team’s Clemente nominee will wear ”21” on their uniform, joining players and uniformed personnel from Puerto Rico, previous nominees, and those who have worn “21” on prior Roberto Clemente Days.

As part of the nomination and in recognition of Gibson’s exemplary commitment to serving his community, MLB will make a $7,500 donation to Big League Impact. The Orioles will recognize Gibson in a special on-field ceremony on Friday, September 15.

The nomination­ comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed Gibson's unwavering dedication to both the game of baseball and the betterment of his community. In his first season with the Orioles, Gibson has quickly become a beloved figure among fans, teammates, and the Baltimore community alike. Beyond his achievements on the mound, Gibson's off-field contributions have left an indelible mark in the hearts of many. A three-time nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, while part of three different teams, shows how passionate Gibson is about giving back to the communities he calls home. 

One of Gibson’s focuses this season is interacting with a different group of community members every homestand. Gibson has met with multiple community-based organizations including STAND Mentorship, whose mission is to enrich the lives of young men through educational experiences that will help them to grow and have a positive impact in the future, and Diamonds on the Rise, on organization committed to developing and promoting quality programs that provides a nurturing and thoughtful environment for individuals living with psychiatric diagnoses who may have challenges with their daily living activities. Gibson uses this time to discuss goal setting and the importance of perseverance. He has spoken with active-duty members of the military and their families to learn about their careers and thank them for their service, and he has given private tours of the Orioles’ clubhouse to children battling life threatening illnesses, providing a memorable moment of reprieve for struggling families.

The Orioles have made the following roster move: 

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

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Activated RHP Jorge López. He will wear #73.
• Reinstated OF Aaron Hicks (low back strain) from the 10-day Injured List.
• Optioned OF Colton Cowser to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.
• Designated RHP Austin Voth for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 39 players.

The Washington Nationals selected the contract of outfielder Travis Blankenhorn and recalled right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham from Triple-A Rochester on Friday. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Nationals have requested unconditional release waivers on right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Blankenhorn, 27, joins Washington after leading the organization in OPS (.877) and slugging percentage (.517) in 108 games with Triple-A Rochester. He ranked among Nationals Minor Leaguers in home runs (2nd, 23), RBI (2nd, 75), extra-base hits (2nd, 52), doubles (2nd, 27), runs (2nd, 67), total bases (T2nd, 203), on-base percentage (4th, .360), hits (4th, 103), walks (7th, 51) and batting average (8th, .262).

The left-handed hitting outfielder hit 293/.376/.671 with five doubles, one triple, eight home runs, 18 RBI, nine walks and 18 runs scored in his last 21 games before the promotion.

Blankenhorn appeared in 26 games over three Major League seasons between the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets from 2020-22. He is 5-for-29 (.172) with three doubles, a home run, four RBI, a walk and four runs scored.

Willingham, 25, joins Washington for the third time this season. He pitched to a 2.89 ERA (3 ER/9.1 IP) in six games since returning to Rochester on August 11. In those six games, he struck out nine and walked just three.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed RHP Jorge López off waivers from the Miami Marlins. He has not yet reported.
• Designated RHP Logan Gillaspie for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

The Washington Nationals selected the contract of catcher Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester and transferred right-handed pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. to the 60-day Injured List on Monday. Following the game on Sunday, outfielder Blake Rutherford was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Millas, 25, joins the Nationals for his first career Major League call-up. He ranks in Washington’s Minor League system in on-base percentage (2^nd, .390), OPS (4^th, .832), average (5^th, .291), slugging percentage (6^th, .442) and RBI (T7^th, 43).

A switch-hitting catcher, Millas opened the season with Double-A Harrisburg before being promoted to Triple-A Rochester on May 23. He hit .291/.390/.442 with 15 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 43 RBI, 42 walks, six stolen bases and 40 runs scored in 83 games between the two stops.

Millas was acquired by the Nationals at the 2021 Trade Deadline from the Oakland Athletics. He was the “Best Defensive Catcher” in their organization, per Baseball America, at the time of the trade and boasted the “Best Strike Zone Discipline” in Washington’s Minor League system in 2022, according to Baseball America.

Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Missouri State University, Millas is a career .260/.368/.378 hitter with 45 doubles, six triples, 16 homers, 127 RBI, 247 walks and 129 runs scored in 257 career professional games.

The Washington Nationals and Washington Commanders today announce “Capital Crossover: Diamonds & Gridiron,” celebrating two of the area’s premier sports franchises and most passionate fan bases. The two-game series comprises the Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves on Thursday, Sept. 21, and Commanders vs. Chicago Bears on Thursday, Oct. 5. Both games will feature special appearances, crossover activations and more. Tickets, including all-inclusive VIP and discount packages, can be purchased at nats.com/Commanders. 

“As a lifelong resident of the Washington, D.C., area, it brings me great pleasure to congratulate Josh Harris and his group on taking ownership of the Commanders franchise,” said Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. “We’re looking forward to developing a meaningful relationship with Josh and his team, and this series is the perfect way to begin a new era of professional football in the District. This series is first and foremost a recognition of two tremendous fan bases that help make our area one of the best sports markets in the country, and we’re thrilled to celebrate alongside the Commanders.”

When the Nationals face the Braves on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:05 p.m., Nationals Park will host several Commanders representatives and alumni who will participate in pregame ceremonies, including new owner Josh Harris throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The in-game presentation will also include mascot appearances and nods to Commanders game day traditions. Recognizing both teams’ dedication to community programs, proceeds from the day’s Nationals Philanthropies 5050 Raffle will benefit the Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation, which supports youth programs throughout the region.

“This partnership is all about celebrating our fans and the traditions that make D.C. sports so exciting,” said Washington Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris. “The Nationals are a great D.C. success story. Not only did the Lerner Family help usher in a new era of baseball fandom across the region, they built a championship-caliber organization that brought World Series baseball back to our Nation’s Capital for the first time since 1933. It is an honor to throw out the first pitch at Nationals Park, and I am thrilled to work with Mark and the Nationals organization as we begin this new chapter for the Commanders and our fans across the DMV. 

On Thursday, Oct. 5, when the Commanders host the Chicago Bears at 8:15 p.m., several Nationals representatives will visit FedExField for the second game of the crossover series. Additional details on activations for that game will be announced by the Commanders next month.