Because You Asked - Now You See Me 2

Gunnar Henderson

The mailbag won’t enter Canada unless it’s the postseason, but Florida is fine.

The Orioles begin another four-game series tonight at Tropicana Field and hope to do better than a split. The bar is raised. It wasn’t that long ago that winning twice against the Blue Jays would have been cause for celebration.

Let’s get to the latest sequel to the beloved 2008 original, which is always worth celebrating. You know the rules. You send ‘em and I answer ‘em, with little to no editing.

Your level of clarity won’t ruin the hilarity. Your particular style won’t get me riled.

Also, my mailbag is at home beneath the dome and yours is allergic to fake grass.

Povich takes loss in debut, offense quiet through seven as they split series (updated)

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TORONTO – Lefty Cade Povich’s big league debut began in fine fashion on a sunny afternoon in downtown Toronto. He retired the first three batters he faced on just nine pitches. He fanned his first batter, left fielder Davis Schneider, swinging at an elevated 92 mph fastball.

Facing a Toronto Blue Jays lineup not as feared as it once was, Povich - ranked as the Orioles No. 8 prospect by Baseball America (and No. 99 in a new top 100) and No. 9 by MLBPipeline.com - put up a zero in the Blue Jays’ second as well.

But a pitcher who improved his walk rate this year with Triple-A Norfolk issued two free passes in the third inning. And then one pitch featuring some good hitting cost him in a game that ended in a 6-5 Toronto win.

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got a 1-0 backdoor cutter on the outside corner and hit that ball where it was pitched. His three-run homer to right started the scoring today in front of 39,215 at Rogers Centre.

After the game Povich got props from his manager and the clubhouse for showing poise. They realized that four runs came via a 350-foot homer and a bloop, and that two more scored after he left the game.

As Povich debuts, O's rotation is TBA right now for Tampa Bay series

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TORONTO – Reporters' daily interest about the upcoming Orioles rotation naturally led to questions about what that rotation could look like for the upcoming Tampa Bay series. Manager Brandon Hyde today said that, as of now, the Orioles are yet to be determined for that entire series, which begins Friday night in St. Petersburg.

But he also, when asked, made an important clarification today on right-hander Kyle Bradish, whose next start is being pushed back. We don’t know when it will be. But Hyde was asked whether that move is simply more about extra rest or about physical concerns.

“Just extra rest,” said Hyde.

When asked if Bradish will skip a start, Hyde said, “We’re TBA. Any more questions on that?” he said with a laugh. But who could blame him for tiring of the constant media inquiries about who is pitching next?

Hyde also said yesterday that there may be several instances during this stretch of 30 games in 31 days when the club's upcoming rotation is to be announced at some future time.

Vespi optioned again, today's lineups with Povich pitching

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Cade Povich makes his major league debut this afternoon in Toronto to close out the four-game series. His contract was selected from Triple-A Norfolk, and the Orioles optioned reliever Nick Vespi to make room on the active roster.

The 40-man roster is full.

Povich is wearing No. 37.

Jordan Westburg is leading off, with Gunnar Henderson sliding down to fourth. Connor Norby starts at second base for the third time in four games.

Austin Hays is in left field and Colton Cowser is in center.

Reviewing Orioles with home runs as first major league hits

Connor Norby

The next Orioles prospect to debut in the majors is a pitcher, left-hander Cade Povich, who joined the team yesterday in Toronto and hailed the taxi squad.

Manager Brandon Hyde told the media after last night's walk-off loss that Povich would start this afternoon's series finale against the Blue Jays. He can occupy the last spot on the 40-man roster, but a reliever must be removed from the active roster unless something is wrong with Kyle Bradish that we still don't know about.

The only information shared is that he's pushed back and it could be more than one day. And that TBA is gonna be a common listing among the probables.

The next position player to debut might be third baseman Coby Mayo, but he’s on Triple-A Norfolk’s injured list with a fractured rib. The good news is he’s swinging a bat.

Jackson Holliday already got his first major league hit, a single, before the Orioles optioned him. Connor Norby became the 12th Orioles player to homer for his first hit, delivering a two-run shot to left field Tuesday night at Rogers Centre.

O's offense falls flat in walk-off loss (Povich to start tomorrow)

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TORONTO – The O's came into Wednesday night looking for their third straight win in Toronto, and a series-clinching win. The script was set just for that, as they took an early 2-0 lead, but the offense fell flat after the second inning and the Blue Jays walked off the O's to win 3-2 in front of 27,929 at Rogers Centre.

The Orioles fall to 39-21 with their third walkoff defeat of the year after two very early on April 6 and 7 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tonight's walk-off was aided by a miscue in the field.

Justin Turner led off the ninth against O's closer Craig Kimbrel with his third hit of the night, a single on an 0-2 pitch and was replaced by pinch-runner Cavan Biggio.  

The miscue followed shortly after. Kimbrel tried to pick off Biggio, but his throw went off his body and into right field, allowing Biggio to get into scoring position. Then he moved to third, advancing on an Alejandro Kirk fly-out. 

Runner on third, one out, and now the winning run was 90 feet away as the infield came in. Kimbrel then faced the contact-oriented Isiah Kiner-Falefa. 

Povich arrives, Bradish's next turn not set yet

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TORONTO – Moments after confirming that O’s pitching prospect Cade Povich is in fact in Toronto and on the taxi squad for the Orioles, manager Brandon Hyde was unable (or perhaps unwilling) to provide the next date for a Kyle Bradish (1-0, 3.18 ERA) start.

“I don’t know yet, no,” Hyde said when asked if he has a day for Bradish’s next outing.

Bradish last pitched on Saturday at home versus the Rays. He presumably will not be on the mound tomorrow, which would have marked his spot in the rotation.

On May 26 versus the White Sox in Chicago, Bradish pitched seven no-hit innings on 103 pitches and lowered his ERA to 1.75. But pitching with an extra day of rest in that game with Tampa Bay he allowed five runs over 2 2/3 on 76 pitches.

Bradish’s season got a late start after he had a platelet-rich plasma injection in January to promote the healing of a right elbow UCL sprain.

Orioles and Blue Jays lineups, All-Star balloting

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Jordan Westburg is starting at second base tonight and Connor Norby is out of the lineup after homering last night for his first major league hit.

Norby is the 12th player in club history whose first hit is a home run.

Ramón Urías is playing third base. Kyle Stowers is in left field, Cedric Mullins is in center and Ryan O’Hearn is in right.

Anthony Santander is the designated hitter.

Ryan Mountcastle homered twice last night and is 29-for-91 (.319) with seven doubles, eight home runs, 26 RBIs and a 1.044 OPS in 24 career games at Rogers Centre.

Povich joining Orioles in Toronto

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The Orioles haven’t confirmed their starter for Thursday afternoon’s series finale against the Blue Jays. However, one of their top prospects is in the running.

He won’t be far from them.

Left-hander Cade Povich is headed to Toronto and will be placed on the taxi squad later today, according to a source, perhaps setting up his major league debut.

Povich was scheduled to start for Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Now he’s an option for the Orioles, who are undecided about Kyle Bradish’s status.

Bradish would be working on his normal turn Thursday, but manager Brandon Hyde told the assembled media yesterday that the club might push him back. If so, Bradish would open the four-game series against the Rays on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. or pitch the following day.

Three Orioles questions born from Monday's news

Connor Norby

The Orioles are halfway through their series in Toronto and the roster underwent a few changes since the conclusion of the last homestand.

Tweaking the bullpen was expected. The question was which reliever would be recalled and which would be optioned or designated for assignment. Something had to be done to inject a fresher arm.

A freak accident on the on-deck circle forced the other move.

Here are three questions, raised like fingerprints after Monday’s announcements.

How long will Connor Norby stay with the Orioles?

Mountcastle again mashes vs. Toronto and Norby hits first homer in O's win (updated)

Ryan Mountcastle

TORONTO – Ryan Mountcastle likes hitting against Toronto and in Toronto. That point was reinforced again tonight as he hit a three-run homer to left in the Orioles' four-run third and later added another homer as they were on their way to their latest victory.

Mountcastle hit Nos. 9 and 10 as the Orioles beat the Blue Jays 10-1 to improve to 39-20. They have won five of six and 10 of their past 12 games. They are now 18-8 on the road.

Since being swept three straight in St. Louis, they are 10-2, scoring 75 runs. 

The Orioles have now gone 20 straight American League East series without losing one as they will at least split this four-game set after winning the last two nights. Their outstanding record in the division is now 13-4.

This game also featured the first major league hit and homer of Connor Norby's career. Playing his second big league game and having gone 0-for-6 in the bigs to that point, he hit a two-run shot to left in the eighth off right-hander Nate Pearson for a 10-1 lead. 

O's will start Albert Suárez on Wednesday with Thursday still TBA

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TORONTO – For a team that has sent five starting pitchers to the injured list already this year and just recently lost both John Means and Tyler Wells for the season, seeing TBA listed as the Orioles' starters Wednesday and Thursday in this series presented some intrigue.

But today, O’s manager Brandon Hyde told reporters that right-hander Albert Suárez (2-0, 1.57 ERA) will start tomorrow against the Blue Jays and righty Kyle Bradish (1-0, 3.18 ERA) could go on Thursday.

“We are still TBA for Thursday. Probably announce that sometime tomorrow. But Suárez for tomorrow,” said Hyde.

Hyde was asked if there are any health concerns with Bradish.

“No, we’re considering giving him an extra day (of rest) or two," he said. "Just kind of from how he is feeling. But we are just monitoring it daily. So we are keeping that TBA right now."

Norby batting eighth tonight in Orioles lineup

Connor Norby

Connor Norby stays at second base tonight and moves up to eighth in the order as the Orioles try to guarantee at least a split of their four-game series in Toronto.

James McCann is catching and batting ninth.

Colton Cowser remains in center field, putting Cedric Mullins on the bench. Austin Hays stays in left field.

Hays hit his first two home runs last night since Sept. 19.

Adley Rutschman is the designated hitter. Ryan O’Hearn moves to the bench.

Orioles bringing back Teheran on minor league deal

Julio Teheran Mets

Running low on starting pitching, the Orioles are bringing back a veteran who didn’t make the team out of spring training.

The club is on the verge of signing Julio Teheran to another minor league deal, according to a source. The sides are "close."

Teheran, 33, agreed to a minor league deal on Feb. 28 that would have paid $2 million if he pitched in the majors. He allowed five runs and nine hits with seven walks and 10 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings and was granted his release.

The Mets signed Teheran on April 5 and he became a free agent again six days later after making one start and allowing four runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings in Atlanta.

The Cubs signed Teheran on April 18 and released him Saturday after another opt-out. He posted an 8.82 ERA and 1.806 WHIP in eight starts with Triple-A Iowa.

Santander and Mateo chess mates in Orioles clubhouse

Jorge Mateo and Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander saw the board and an opportunity.

But who would play?

Chess ranks among Santander’s favorite hobbies and the Orioles’ clubhouse is equipped to satisfy it. However, he’s more likely to find teammates gathering at the pool or bumper pool tables. They weren’t inclined to take his cue, as it were, and trade in the rack for a rook.

The next move was to choose a partner.

Jorge Mateo has the most speed on the club and he’s also a fast study. He was introduced to the game a year ago and already developed the same passion for it as Santander.

Austin Hays homers twice as O's take road trip opener at Toronto (updated)

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TORONTO – Once a very tough place for the Orioles to get wins, Toronto’s Rogers Centre saw the Birds go 6-1 last year, on their way to going 10-3 against the Blue Jays in 2023.

The Orioles enjoyed their first visit north of the border this year as well.

Austin Hays produced his first two homers of the season and Anthony Santander added a two-run shot – all off former Oriole Kevin Gausman – and later Ramón Urías got one as the O’s beat Toronto 7-2 in the opener to the series and road trip.

The Orioles improved to 38-20 for the season and to 17-8 in road games as they opened a four-game series here. The eight-game trip will next take the team to St. Petersburg, Fla. to face Tampa Bay.

Hays, swinging it much better in recent weeks with his stats slowly trending up, hit a two-run shot in the fourth and added a solo blast in the seventh. He had not homered all year and not since last Sept. 18 at Houston, which also was his last two-homer game. It was the sixth multi-homer game of his career.

O's Connor Norby: "It's what you dream of" (Hyde pregame added)

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TORONTO - Orioles prospect Connor Norby got an important phone call on Sunday. On the other end of the line was Orioles assistant general manager Eve Rosenbaum, calling to tell him he was finally headed to the major leagues.

Drafted by the club in the second round of the 2021 draft (No. 41 overall) out of East Carolina University, Norby’s first chance at this level has finally arrived.

Since the 2022 season he has played 198 games and taken 913 plate appearances at Triple-A. He has played in 344 minor league games overall.

“I started shaking,” Norby said of that phone call yesterday. “I think I shook for about an hour. I kind of settled down a little bit. Not much sleep though. But getting here and getting in the stadium, it’s what you dream of.”

Norby said when he got to the ballpark, coach Tim Cossins handed him a lineup card that had his name on it. He was in there batting ninth at second base. He will wear No. 12.

Norby in Orioles' lineup for series opener in Toronto (with note on Means' surgery)

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The Orioles begin their four-game series in Toronto tonight with Connor Norby making his major league debut. Norby is playing second base and batting ninth.

Norby had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk earlier today. Second base won’t be occupied by Jorge Mateo until he’s reinstated from the seven-day concussion list.

Austin Hays is in left field, Colton Cowser is in center and Anthony Santander is in right. Ryan O’Hearn is the designated hitter.

Gunnar Henderson, in his usual leadoff role, is the third-youngest Orioles player to hit more than 50 home runs in his career behind Eddie Murray and Boog Powell.

The Orioles’ 6-1 record against the Blue Jays last season tied for their best in the series. They also won six of seven games in 1982.

Norby and Vespi joining Orioles in Toronto (updated)

The Orioles could make multiple roster moves today before beginning their four-game series against the Blue Jays.

A source confirmed that second baseman Connor Norby and left-hander Nick Vespi are joining the club in Toronto. They boarded the same flight out of D.C. as three beat writers who first laid eyes on them.

The 40-man roster has an opening for Norby if the Orioles select his contract from Triple-A Norfolk, and they can create two more spots later by transferring pitchers John Means and Tyler Wells to the 60-day injured list.

Norby has appeared in 51 games, missing a week with a left wrist injury, and is batting .286/.374/.510 with 17 doubles, a triple, nine home runs and 36 RBIs in 238 plate appearances. He’s made 18 starts in left field and 15 in right, as well as 12 at second base.

The Orioles selected Norby in the second round of the 2021 draft out of East Carolina. He'd give the Orioles a right-handed bat and some versatility, the movement necessary with Jackson Holliday making most of the starts at second base.

Kimbrel on improved results: "It’s just throwing strikes and not making bad pitches"

Craig Kimbrel

The May 8 game in D.C. seems so long ago. Worlds away for the closer with the fifth-most saves in baseball history.

Craig Kimbrel didn’t make it out of the ninth inning again for the fourth time in five tries. He allowed two runs with a hit and a pair of walks, and his ERA swelled to 4.73.

Manager Brandon Hyde spoke with him about a reset, with his next three appearances coming in non-save situations but remaining high leverage due to the club’s propensity for playing close games. A clean seventh inning on May 10 against the Diamondbacks, a win earned the following day with a scoreless 11th that included a hit batter, and a spotless seventh on May 13 against the Blue Jays.

Perhaps it’s sneaked up on a few people, but Kimbrel is in a dominant stretch with eight consecutive scoreless, hitless and walk-less outings, and he’s struck out 10. The last five have resulted in saves to push his season total to 13 and career mark to 430.

Opponents are hitless in 22 at-bats against him in these eight games.