NEW YORK – Jackson Holliday and Samuel Basallo return to the lineup tonight, as the Orioles begin their final 2025 series against the Yankees.

Basallo is serving as designated hitter after being hit on the right wrist by a fastball over the weekend. Holliday, leading off as usual, has been nursing a sore knee.

Dylan Beavers is in left field and Tyler O’Neill is in right. Coby Mayo is the first baseman.

Adley Rutschman has a .421 career on-base percentage against the Yankees, second-highest in club history with a minimum 150 plate appearances, per STATS.

Gunnar Henderson needs one more stolen base to become the youngest Oriole to swipe 30 bags in a season.

It’s been a long, often frustrating, season. And at times, it probably felt like the end couldn’t come soon enough. Well, it has come at last. Tonight the Nationals open their final series of 2025. And from a pure baseball standpoint, there’s hardly anything at stake. The fates of the Nats and White Sox have long since been determined.

But there’s still meaning to these games on an individual level, and that certainly applies to Cade Cavalli. The rookie right-hander makes his 10th and final start of the season tonight, hoping to end this already successful mini-campaign on a positive note. Cavalli is coming off a strong outing at Citi Field, shutting out the Mets over five innings. If he can hold the White Sox to zero or one run over five more innings tonight, he’ll get his ERA under 4.00, which would be a nice outcome for him and the organization.

We’ll also see if James Wood can end his roller coaster season on a high note after a really nice couple of games in Atlanta. When last we spoke Sunday, Wood seemed to have a much better chance of finishing with 223 strikeouts than he did of finishing with 30 homers. Well, he hit three bombs at Truist Park and got to 30 with three games to spare. And he didn’t strike out once, which means he’s still eight shy of Mark Reynolds’ major league record with only three games left to play. You sure hope he doesn’t threaten that mark any more.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 6:45 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 87.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 78 degrees, wind 5 mph in from left field

WHITE SOX
2B Chase Meidroth
DH Kyle Teel
SS Colson Montgomery
3B Miguel Vargas
C Edgar Quero
CF Brooks Baldwin
1B Lenyn Sosa
LF Will Robertson
RF Dominic Fletcher

The Orioles are happy with their internal options for the starting rotation and also know that upgrades are important. They will check the various markets, see whether trade partners and free agents provide any solutions.

Trey Gibson will be a phone call away. He’s easy to reach.

Gibson, 23, went from High-A Aberdeen to Double-A Chesapeake and Triple-A Norfolk this season and was chosen as the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year, achieving the honor as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

How close is he to making his major league debut?

“I think pretty close,” he said yesterday while meeting with the media outside the Orioles’ clubhouse.

“I thought that tied it!”

My grandfather, with a chuckle, quickly realized from the reactions around him that Dylan Beavers had just won the game for the Orioles in the bottom of the ninth, and had not, in fact, just tied things up. 

Baltimore came roaring back in the eighth, highlighted by Coby Mayo’s two-run home run, but complimented by the less highlight-worthy Ryan Mountcastle run scored on a wild pitch. With things knotted in the ninth, Beavers only needed one pitch to send Orioles fans home happy. 

That feeling of elation, shared by my Pop and O’s fans that had come to Camden Yards to put a bow on the 2025 season, was one that they hadn’t felt as often as they would’ve liked at their favorite ballpark. The victory improved Baltimore’s home record to 39-42, even if some walkoffs felt as if they should count as an extra crooked number in the win column. 

But among the 81, No. 81 itself carries a different weight. 

The intent wasn’t to create a baseball game show, with Orioles catchers spinning like a wheel through the season. It just happened over time.

They used seven in 2025 to set the franchise record. The 2022 Pirates are the last with eight.

David Bañuelos, an Orioles taxi squad catcher for what feels like the entire season, got into one game as the designated hitter. He doesn’t count.

Samuel Basallo was drilled on the right wrist by Pete Fairbanks’ 96.6 mph fastball leading off the ninth inning Wednesday night. Bañuelos might have gotten a shot. Or the Orioles could have brought back someone else. But X-rays were negative for a fracture and Basallo, who had the wrist taped yesterday, is expected to play this weekend in the Bronx.

Trevor Rogers was my first contestant this week in trying to name the seven catchers and how many he pitched to this season. I could have made it easier on myself by writing the names on an index card, but I worked from memory with Basallo, Adley Rutschman, Gary Sánchez, Alex Jackson, Maverick Handley, Jacob Stallings and Chadwick Tromp.

The Orioles turned on the power at closing time.

Fans stood and cheered Orioles left-hander Cade Povich this afternoon as he walked off the mound for the last time in 2025. The game didn’t turn out as he wanted. The effort and ability to make 20 starts, along with two relief appearances, seemed to be appreciated. A kind gesture from the crowd.

The place erupted on Coby Mayo’s game-tying two-run homer in the eighth, and again in the ninth when Dylan Beavers demolished Kevin Kelly's first-pitch cutter and reached the flag court. Both appreciated and celebrated with gusto. The ballpark came alive, absolutely electric, with placement in the division standings irrelevant. 

Beavers' walk-off homer gave the Orioles a 6-5 win over the Rays before an announced crowd of 16,777 at Camden Yards, which brought the season total to 1,803,655. The ball left his bat at 107.7 mph, he took a few steps toward first base and flipped the lumber so high he could have brought rain.

A teammate tossed him a Ravens helmet before he touched home plate. Beavers scored the game-winner and didn't fumble his opportunity.  

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed RHP Carson Ragsdale off waivers from the Atlanta Braves and optioned him to the Spring Training Complex.
• Designated RHP Dom Hamel for assignment.

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

The 96.6 mph fastball that slammed into catcher Samuel Basallo’s right wrist last night in the ninth inning didn’t cause a fracture and might not keep the rookie from playing this weekend in New York.

Basallo had the wrist wrapped this morning after being hit by Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks and leaving the game in obvious pain.

“I tried to react but I didn’t have enough time to do so,” he said via interpreter Brandon Quinones. “Hand's feeling much better today. Couldn’t really feel it yesterday. Thankfully today I’m feeling better.”

Asked about appearing in the final series, Basallo said, “Yes, I think it’s going to be something day-to-day right now. They’re giving me a day to see how I feel and hopefully I’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

“I think he’ll be in there tomorrow,” said interim manager Tony Mansolino.

September is Fan Appreciation Month at Nationals Park, and the Nationals have a number of fun activations and surprises in store for fans during the final home series of the 2025 season, including Country Night with a Nats Postgame Summer Concert, a pregame retirement ceremony for longtime broadcaster Bob Carpenter, special surprises and giveaways, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets for Fan Appreciation Weekend at Nationals Park, visit nats.com/Fans.

To start off the three-game set against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, Sept. 26, 20,000 fans will receive a 2026 magnet schedule to help plan for next season. Prior to the start of the game, the 2025 Minor League Players of the Year will be recognized on the field for their outstanding seasons. The game is also the first-ever Country Night at Nationals Park, and fans with a special event ticket will receive a Nationals-branded cowboy hat. All fans at the game are invited to stay for the final Nats Postgame Summer Concert of the season featuring multi-award-winning country singer/songwriter Riley Green. The postgame concert is free with the purchase of a game ticket.

As a thank-you to their most loyal fans, the Nationals are inviting Season Plan Holders to enter the ballpark early on Friday for rare access to batting practice, in which a selection of “bonus balls” will be thrown periodically and, if a Season Plan Holder catches it, can be redeemed for an autographed baseball. Season Plan Holders will also have the chance to meet the 2025 Minor League Players of the Year for photos and autographs, snap a picture with the 2019 World Series Trophy and meet Carpenter during a special bonus scorebook signing.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Club will honor Carpenter during a pregame retirement ceremony, and his name will be prominently displayed at Nationals Park on the façade under the broadcast booth. As part of the special day, 10,000 fans will receive a commemorative “See! You! Later!” T-shirt in honor of Carpenter’s signature home run call, and special game scorecards and pencils, in honor of Carpenter’s and industry-standard scorebooks, will be available while supplies last. Ballpark gates will open at 2:30 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. Fans can also enjoy the return of the popular “See You Tater” concessions concept in The Change-Up Food Hall in Center Field Plaza.

The Club will also show appreciation for fan’s best friend with the final installment of Pups in the Park presented by PEDIGREE Foundation on Sunday, Sept. 28. Fans with a special ticket can watch Sunday’s 3:05 p.m. game alongside their furry friends, who will also receive a special Nationals bandana. All proceeds from dog ticket sales will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. For more information, visit nats.com/Pups.

The final home game for the Orioles in the 2025 season comes with a lineup this afternoon with Dylan Beavers leading off for the second time in the majors.

Samuel Basallo said his right wrist feels much better today and he hopes to play Friday night at Yankee Stadium. Alex Jackson is catching today.

Jeremiah Jackson is in right field and Jorge Mateo is at second base, with Jackson Holliday on the bench. Holliday is dealing with a sore knee.

Gunnar Henderson stole his 29^th base last night and has been successful in his last 15 attempts since Aug. 4.

Colton Cowser, in center field again today, is 14-for-14 in stolen base attempts. He would set a team record.

Tyler Wells made it back onto a mound this summer after his reconstructive elbow surgery in June 2024. He found a spot in the starting rotation, which is his preference among roles on the Orioles’ pitching staff.

The rehab and perseverance earn him a win every time he picks up the ball.

It won’t show on his record tonight.

Wells turned in his poorest showing among his four starts, allowing three runs over four innings in a 6-2 loss to the Rays before an announced crowd of 18,367 at Camden Yards.

More stressful was rookie Samuel Basallo leading off the ninth against Pete Fairbanks and getting hit on the right wrist by a 96.6 mph fastball. He was in obvious pain as he crouched and then walked off the field while tilting back his head, grimacing and holding onto his wrist, but X-rays were negative for a fracture.

Jackson Holliday was in the Orioles’ original lineup tonight but a sore knee moved him to the bench.

“A little banged up,” said interim manager Tony Mansolino. “In one of the knees, something he’s been dealing with all year. I think it flared up on him a little bit today. Wisely, just kind of took a step back with it today. I definitely think that, I’d say nine out of 10 players have something going on right now. This for him today was something we didn’t feel like was appropriate to deal with.

“I’ve said this before, I think if we’re chasing down the pennant he’s probably in there today, but we’re just trying to be smart with the kid.”

Holliday has appeared in 146 games, four behind leader Gunnar Henderson. He has the most at-bats with 575, has avoided the injured list and ranks second in the majority of offensive categories except for the 17 home runs that lead the club.

“Listen, what we’ve asked of this kid this year has been a lot, and I do feel like he’s answered in a lot of ways,” Mansolino said. “This is a long season. The stress on this season in particular, how it’s been here in Baltimore this year and just kind of not meeting expectations as a team, and the pressure and stress and everything and having to play every day and be a focal point, lead off and be in the middle of the field every single day, it’s a big ask for a 21-year-old kid.

The Nationals are finalizing a deal to hire Paul Toboni from the Red Sox as their new head of baseball operations, ultimately choosing to bring in an up-and-coming outside voice to lead the organization rather than staying in-house.

The deal with Toboni is not done yet, but sources familiar with the move confirmed the 35-year-old has been selected by the Lerner family as the choice to replace Mike Rizzo, who was fired as president of baseball operations and general manager in July after 16 years in the position.

Still unclear is Toboni’s new title with the Nationals, whether he is named president of baseball operations, general manager or both, and whether he’ll have a GM as his second-in-command, whether that’s current interim GM Mike DeBartolo or someone else.

No official announcement has been planned yet, but the club has hoped all along to be able to introduce its new head of baseball operations just before or immediately after the season ends Sunday, with Major League Baseball discouraging teams from holding major press conferences during the postseason (which begins Tuesday).

Toboni was one of at least seven reported candidates for the job, joined by DeBartolo, fellow Red Sox assistant GM Eddie Romero, Dodgers senior vice president Josh Byrnes, Cubs GM Carter Hawkins, Guardians assistant GM Matt Forman and Diamondbacks assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye. From that group, only Byrnes (a D.C. native) had previously held a full-time job running a baseball operations department (both Arizona and San Diego).

Dylan Beavers is batting leadoff for the first time in his brief career, as the Orioles try to secure their series against the Rays at Camden Yards.

Jackson Holliday is on the bench, freeing up second base for Jordan Westburg.

Samuel Basallo is playing first base.

Basallo didn’t have any hits against inside pitches in August, but he’s hitting .286 and slugging 1.000 this month, per STATS.

Jeremiah Jackson gets the start at third base.

A 19-year-old outfielder will be honored as the Orioles’ top minor league player in 2025.

That’s a bright future.

Nate George will receive his award tonight in an on-field ceremony prior to the game against the Rays at Camden Yards. Right-hander Trey Gibson, 23, was chosen as the system’s top pitcher.

Florida Complex League manager Christian Frias and area scout Rich Amaral also were recognized for their contributions to the organization.

The Orioles drafted George in the 16^th round in 2024 out of Minooka Community High School in Illinois. His first professional season carried him to three levels – the FCL, Class A Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen – and he hit a combined .337/.413/.483 with 14 doubles, nine triples, five home runs, 42 RBIs, 38 walks, 62 strikeouts and 50 stolen bases in 87 games.

The smartest warning to be issued for the 2025 season was to expect the unexpected from the Orioles.

They weren’t supposed to land in last place or fire manager Brandon Hyde, let alone in May. They weren’t supposed to tie the Marlins for most players used with 70 or post a run differential of minus-98. They weren't supposed to use the injured list 39 times with 29 different players.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg that they crashed into this year.

The season will go on … until Sunday’s finale in the Bronx. Near, far, wherever they are, it’s one for the books. They can’t wait to close it and regroup for 2026.

Did you ever imagine that …

That’s a wrap on Dean Kremer’s 2025 season. He put a pretty bow on it.

Kremer made his final start tonight and shut out the Rays on one hit in 6 1/3 scoreless innings in the Orioles’ 6-0 victory before an announced crowd of 15,267 at Camden Yards. He waited through a 1 hour and 11 minute rain delay and started to deal.

Colton Cowser belted a two-run homer in the sixth, giving him 16 to tie Gunnar Henderson for second on the team, and the Orioles began their last home series by improving their record to 74-83 overall and 6-5 against Tampa Bay. They moved within two games of fourth place.

Kremer finishes with an 11-10 record, 4.23 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 30 appearances covering 170 1/3 innings, including a bulk relief assignment. He received a standing ovation as he came out of the game at 97 pitches after nailing Junior Caminero in the back with a splitter with one out in the seventh. Kremer walked none and struck out four.

“It was really good,” said interim manager Tony Mansolino. “I feel like we’ve seen that outing seven or eight times this year, that same type of deal. Commanding the pitches, attacking the zone. When he got behind, he was able to get back in the fight a little bit, getting them to put the ball in play, weak contact. It was a very nice outing for him right there.”

The honor might have meant more to Trevor Rogers than anyone else in the clubhouse.

Media chose Rogers as Most Valuable Oriole, with the announcement coming earlier today. He was recognized for a comeback that carried him from a 7.11 ERA in four starts last summer and a demotion to Triple-A Norfolk to a 1.35 ERA that’s the lowest ever by an Orioles pitcher in his first 17 starts.

He’s also going to bring a 0.872 WHIP, .178 opponents’ average and 6.0 bWAR into his last game this weekend in the Bronx, with a streak of two earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive starts that’s the longest in franchise history.

“It’s huge,” Rogers said this afternoon. “I’m honored just to be in the elite company that’s had this award in years past. And just the entire journey that I’ve been on since I’ve gotten here, kind of a bumpy start, not the start that any of us would have wanted. But seeing where we are today, it was worth it going through those struggles. Getting this award, I’m very thankful.

“My stuff is in a really good spot consistently. I’m not a one-dimensional guy anymore. I always relied on my fastball-changeup in years past. It seems like if one of those pitches went haywire, I only relied on one pitch. Developing multiple pitches I can throw for strikes and be competitive with those makes my job a little easier.”

Catcher Gary Sánchez won’t return to the Orioles this week. His first, and likely only, season with the team ends after 30 games and a .231/.297/.418 line with two doubles, five home runs and 24 RBIs in 101 plate appearances.

The Orioles signed Sánchez to a one-year, $8.5 million contract. He made two stops on the injured list with wrist and knee injuries.

Another change was made to the Orioles bullpen this afternoon. They returned Colin Selby from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the injured list.

Jose Espada was optioned to the spring training complex.

Selby hasn’t pitched since July 28 because of a hamstring strain. Espada tossed three scoreless innings in his only appearance with the Orioles, and his second in the majors.

The climb out of the deepest pit in his professional career has landed Trevor Rogers in first place in voting for Most Valuable Oriole.

Rogers was honored by members of the media covering the team. Coming up next could be appearances on Cy Young ballots and perhaps a Comeback Player of the Year award.

One start remains in Rogers’ season, this weekend at Yankee Stadium. He’s 9-2 with a 1.35 ERA, 0.872 WHIP, .178 opponents’ average and 6.0 bWAR, the lowest ERA in Orioles history among pitchers in their first 17 starts.

"I probably told you a few starts ago, 'You're waiting for the other shoe to drop, the other foot to drop,’” interim manager Tony Mansolino said on Friday. “I don't think we're waiting anymore.”

Rogers has allowed two earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive starts, the longest streak in Orioles history and longest in the majors since the Dodgers’ Julio Urías (17) from July 16, 2022-April 10, 2023. He’s surrendered more than two earned runs in only one start, and he tossed six scoreless innings while giving up just one hit in his most recent outing against the Yankees.