Morton named Orioles’ starter for second game, updates on Henderson, Bautista, Rodriguez and more
-
-
March 20, 2025 8:16 pm
-
0 Comments

SARASOTA, Fla. – Charlie Morton will start the second game of the season on March 28 against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Two-thirds of the rotation is confirmed.
Zach Eflin is the Opening Day starter on March 27. Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano, who pitches tonight, will slot further down.
Morton, 41, has tossed six scoreless innings in his three spring starts. He signed a $15 million contract in January and is entering his 18th major league season.
“He’s been everything,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He’s been an amazing influence on our team so far already. Just with his interactions with guys. He’s throwing the ball extremely well, he looks great. That’s just Charlie Morton.
“The stuff he’s thrown out every time out has been really good. He’s brought a lot to our team already.”
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson worked out again today and is taking batting practice, but he hasn’t played since Feb. 27 due to a strained right intercostal. Four exhibition games remain after tonight, including Monday afternoon in D.C.
“We’re still hopeful, but we are running out of time right now,” Hyde said. “We haven’t made a final decision on that.”
Livan Soto could head to Toronto if Henderson isn’t ready. He’s 15-for-37 (.405) with a .990 OPS in 15 games and he’s able to play shortstop. Vimael Machín’s best position is second base.
Félix Bautista hasn’t appeared in a game since Friday against the Twins, but he’s thrown on the back fields. His status also remains uncertain.
Hyde said “no” when asked whether he’s confident that Bautista will be on the Opening Day roster.
“We’re still talking about our roster,” Hyde added. “We haven’t solidified anything there yet.”
There’s a possibility that a third bullpen spot opens if Bautista is removed from it and Albert Suárez replaces Grayson Rodriguez in the rotation. Andrew Kittredge will go on the injured list and could miss at least two months after undergoing cartilage repair surgery on his left knee.
Rodriguez played catch for the second time, following up Tuesday’s flat-ground session.
Corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera said his left shoulder is feeling better but he remains unavailable to play. He wasn’t expected to make the team and he’s out of options.
Relievers behind Sugano tonight include Keegan Akin, Matt Bowman and Seranthony Domínguez.
Eflin makes his final exhibition start Saturday afternoon against the Pirates – and Paul Skenes again – in Bradenton.
0 Comments
Related Articles
Spring training mailbag leftovers for off-day breakfast
The mailbag needs to pop a Dramamine from all of the travel back and forth in spring training.…
Read More
Bassitt’s debut and impressive days for Basallo, Kjerstad, Beavers and Bradfield in Orioles’ 8-7 exhibition win
Chris Bassitt gave the Orioles two-plus innings and 40 pitches this afternoon in his debut against the Red…
Read More
Bassitt makes first start and Basallo returns to Orioles’ lineup
Chris Bassitt makes his Orioles exhibition debut this afternoon in Fort Myers, where they’ll play the Red Sox…
Read More