Jackson Kowar joins Orioles bullpen in cash trade
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February 14, 2026 6:06 pm
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SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles made a bullpen move this evening, acquiring right-hander Jackson Kowar from the Twins for cash considerations.
They created room on the 40-man roster by putting reliever Colin Selby on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Kowar, 29, was a first-round pick by the Royals in the 2018 draft out of the University of Florida. He appeared in 15 games with the Mariners last season and allowed eight runs in 17 innings.
The Twins selected Kowar on waivers earlier this month and designated him for assignment Thursday after acquiring left-hander Anthony Banda from the Dodgers. He’s been traded previously by the Royals to the Braves and by the Braves to the Mariners.
Kowar has an 8.21 ERA and 1.934 WHIP in 54 major league games, including 39 with the Royals over parts of three seasons. He’s averaged 5.7 walks per nine innings.
Tommy John surgery prevented Kowar from pitching in 2024. He injury occurred in spring training.
The Oriole saw Kowar twice last season and he tossed three scoreless and hitless innings with no walks.
Kowar has a 4.30 ERA in six minor league seasons but he’s out of options.
President of baseball operations Mike Elias revealed this week that Selby had shoulder inflammation and would begin the season on the injured list.
Selby said he was encouraged by the progress he’s making and estimated that he’s only a couple of weeks behind.
“I think we’re on a good path right now,” said Selby, who appeared in 11 games last season and registered a 3.21 ERA over 14 innings. “I think we’re gonna be good to go. Maybe start some mound work in a couple weeks.”
Selby strained his left hamstring in late July and didn’t pitch again until Sept. 23 and 26, tossing three scoreless innings with one hit allowed and no walks. But the shoulder discomfort became noticeable toward the end of the season.
“I was dealing with that a little bit,” he said, “and then the hamstring thing came back, so I just wanted to finish strong and then work on this in the offseason.”
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