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LAKELAND, Fla. – The latest injury updates from the Orioles apparently will keep starter Grayson Rodriguez and reliever Andrew Kittredge away from the Opening Day roster.
A drama-free camp has spun in a bad direction.
Manager Brandon Hyde said the discomfort in Rodriguez’s right arm is located in the back of the elbow, describing it as the point where it connects to the triceps. The Orioles will seek multiple opinions, but their projected No. 1 or 2 starter isn’t going to build up the necessary innings to break camp with the team.
The regular season begins March 27 in Toronto. Rodriguez has made only two exhibition starts totaling three innings.
“It’s not a ligament issue, so we’re not concerned about that, but it’s going to result in some missed time,” Hyde said. “As we get more information, we’ll share it with you, but right now he’s still getting opinions.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Félix Bautista is making his second spring training appearance tonight, as the Orioles hit the road to face the Tigers.
Bautista retired the Red Sox in order Monday afternoon in Sarasota.
Jordan Westburg is out of the lineup after returning to it last night. Gunnar Henderson remains out with a strained right intercostal, and manager Brandon Hyde will provide an update later.
Jackson Holliday is leading off tonight, followed by Ramón Urías at third base. Heston Kjerstad is in right field, Coby Mayo is the designated hitter and Samuel Basallo is catching.
Liván Soto is the shortstop.
First of the five-year series will take place in D.C. March 24
The Orioles today officially announced that they will end their 2025 spring schedule with an exhibition game against the Washington Nationals on Monday, March 24, at 1:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. This will mark the first of several exhibition games, which will continue through the 2029 season.
“The Orioles and Nationals are neighbors, and it is important to both teams that we use it as an opportunity to strengthen connections and share our love of baseball with the full Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas,” said CATIE GRIGGS, Orioles President of Business Operations.
Beginning in 2026, the series will include two games, one played at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore and one in Washington D.C. Tickets for this year’s exhibition game at Nationals Park are on sale now at Nats.com/Tickets.
The Orioles and Nats will meet twice in the 2025 regular season, including during MLB’s Rivalry Weekend from May 16-18 in Baltimore.
SARASOTA, Fla. – A 95 mph fastball from Pirates reliever Peter Strzelecki tonight dropped Ramón Urías to the dirt in the bottom of the fifth inning. Urías stayed down for a few seconds while the crowd gasped in unison, got back to his feet and struck out.
Urías grabbed his equipment bag and walked down the right field line toward the clubhouse. He was coming out anyway, with manager Brandon Hyde making multiple substitutions. He left third base and upheld his status as a healthy infielder.
The gasps became sighs of relief.
Jordan Westburg returned to the lineup, but Gunnar Henderson remained out with a strained right intercostal and Jorge Mateo won’t be ready for Opening Day after his reconstructive elbow surgery in August, though he’s swinging a bat.
The Orioles need Urías to be their utility guy. They might need him to play shortstop for Henderson or third base if Westburg slides over. Tailing fastballs with his name on them are frowned upon in this establishment.
SARASOTA, Fla. – Rosters were announced today for the second Spring Breakout game. Orioles prospects will play Yankees prospects on March 15 at 6:05 p.m. in Sarasota.
Among the 26 Orioles are top prospect Samuel Basallo and No. 3 prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr.
Here is the complete list:
Pitchers
LHP Luis De León
RHP Michael Forret
RHP Nestor German
RHP Keeler Morfe
RHP Patrick Reilly
RHP Levi Wells
RHP Cameron Weston
Catchers
Ethan Anderson
Samuel Basallo
Miguel Rodríguez
Creed Willems
SARASOTA, Fla. – The latest dip in velocity from Grayson Rodriguez apparently stems from a physical issue.
Rodriguez is bothered by soreness in his right triceps, according to manager Brandon Hyde. He was evaluated today and the Orioles should have more information on Friday.
Asked if there’s a base level of concern anytime a pitcher admits to soreness, Hyde said, “Sure. I’m concerned every day right now with everybody.”
Standing outside the visiting clubhouse yesterday at Hammond Stadium, Rodriguez told the media that he felt “pretty sluggish” and couldn’t get behind the ball and spin it how he wanted. He threw 30 pitches against the Twins, 20 for strikes, and allowed one run and three hits with a walk, strikeout and hit batter over 1 1/3 innings.
The radar gun provided numbers that drew most of the attention and concern. Rodriguez’s four-seam fastball averaged 93.2 mph, topping out at 95.3 on Ryan Jeffers’ strikeout in the first. Christian Vazquez led off the second with a double into left-center field on an 89.5 mph fastball.
A new season means a new MLB Pipeline prospect ranking.
This week on “The Bird’s Nest,” Annie Klaff and I broke down some of the highlights from an updated top 30. You can listen to the full episode here: https://masn.me/6r1g411x
The Top Dogs
Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo are two of the top prospects in all of baseball. Two of the best 15 in the game per Pipeline’s top 100, to be exact, and No. 1 and No. 2 in the O’s top 30. Basallo, now the top prospect in Baltimore’s system, has turned heads down in Sarasota with his eye popping exit velocities and defensive improvements. However, the catcher still needs seasoning in Triple-A Norfolk after posting a .638 OPS in 21 games with the Tides. That’s to be expected during your age 19 season. As for Mayo, there’s not much left to prove offensively down in the minors. Continuing to progress defensively at both third base and first base is the next step in his development.
The Speedsters in Center
SARASOTA, Fla. – Former Orioles center fielder Adam Jones will have to pause his work in the front office and in the community to accept his latest honor on Aug. 9.
Jones and another former outfielder, Joe Orsulak, were elected to the club’s Hall of Fame. Long-time broadcaster Tom Davis will receive the Herb Armstrong Award given to non-uniformed Orioles personnel.
Jones officially retired from baseball as an Oriole on Sept. 15, 2023, and in January 2025 he returned to the organization as a special advisor to the general manager and community ambassador.
His accomplishments on the field made him an easy choice in his first year of eligibility.
Jones spent 11 of his 14 seasons with the Orioles and ranks among their all-time leaders in hits (fourth, 1,781), home runs (fifth, 263), RBIs (fifth, 866), runs (fifth, 875), doubles (seventh, 305) and games played (eighth, 1,613). Also, his 93 career outfield assists are tied with Nick Markakis for second behind Paul Blair’s 105.
The Orioles today announced that former center fielder ADAM JONES and former outfielder JOE ORSULAK have been elected to the Orioles Hall of Fame. Additionally, longtime broadcaster TOM DAVIS will be inducted as this year’s Herb Armstrong Award winner.
The three honorees will be recognized on Friday, August 8, at a luncheon at Oriole Park hosted by the Oriole Advocates, founders of the Orioles Hall of Fame. The on-field induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 9, prior to the 7:05 p.m. ET game against the Athletics. Information on purchasing tickets for the Oriole Advocates Hall of Fame luncheon will be announced soon. To purchase tickets for the induction ceremony and game, featuring an Adam Jones Hall of Fame Bobblehead giveaway for the first 20,000 fans, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Jones spent 11 of his 14 major league seasons in a Baltimore uniform (2008-18) following his acquisition from the Seattle Mariners on February 8, 2008. He ranks among all-time franchise leaders (since 1954) in hits (4th, 1,781), home runs (5th, 263), RBI (5th, 866), runs (5th, 875), doubles (7th, 305), and games played (8th, 1,613). His 93 career outfield assists are tied with NICK MARKAKIS for second in team history behind PAUL BLAIR (105), both also Orioles Hall of Famers.
A five-time All-Star (2009, 2012-15), Jones is one of six Orioles in franchise history to be named an All-Star in at least five seasons, joining CAL RIPKEN, JR. (19), BROOKS ROBINSON (15), EDDIE MURRAY (7), JIM PALMER (6), and MIKE MUSSINA (5). A four-time Gold Glove Award winner in center field (2009, 2012-14), Jones’ 2009 Gold Glove marked the first by a Baltimore outfielder since Blair (1975), while his 2013 Slugger Award was the first by an Orioles outfielder since the award was created in 1980.
Jones was a three-time Roberto Clemente Award nominee (2011, 2013, 2016), an annual recognition of a player from each MLB club that “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.” He finished his Orioles career with six Heart and Hustle Award nominations (2012, 2014-18) and three Most Valuable Oriole recognitions (2011-13). He officially retired from baseball as a Baltimore Oriole on September 15, 2023, and in January 2025, returned to the organization as a Special Advisor to the General Manager and Community Ambassador.
Orsulak spent five seasons with the Orioles from 1988-92, batting .281 (579-for-2,059) with 97 doubles, 15 triples, 35 home runs, and 221 RBI in 632 games. In 1991, he recorded a single-season franchise record and MLB-leading 22 outfield assists. Since then, Washington’s Alfonso Soriano (2006) and Houston’s Richard Hidalgo (2003) are the only outfielders in the majors to record a 22-assist season. His 54 career outfield assists rank seventh in franchise history behind Blair (105), Jones/Markakis (93), AL BUMBRY (68), BRADY ANDERSON (57), and JACKIE BRANDT (54). Orsulak led Baltimore in batting average in 1988, 1989, and 1992, while ranking second in 1991 behind Ripken, Jr.
Davis, winner of the Herb Armstrong Award given to non-uniformed Orioles personnel, served as a fill-in radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster for Orioles games for three decades. A five-time Maryland Sportscaster of the Year winner, Davis began his career with WBAL-TV and WCBM Radio before joining WQSR-FM as a sportscaster on the No. 1-rated “Rouse & Company” morning show. Additionally, he hosted pre-and post-game “O’s Extra” shows on MASN, and continues to produce and host “Wall to Wall Baseball” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Davis was honored with the John F. Steadman Lifetime Achievement Award by the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
A complete list of members of the Orioles Hall of Fame and Herb Armstrong Award recipients can be found at Orioles.com/HallOfFame.
The Orioles’ 2024 trade deadline was active.
For the rotation, Baltimore acquired Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers. To shore up the bullpen, a pair of flamethrowers from Philadelphia in Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto. And to supplement a talented outfield, the O’s added Eloy Jiménez, Austin Slater and Cristian Pache.
But how about a move that didn’t impact the big league roster?
In late July, it was the move everyone was waiting for.
The Orioles sent utilityman Billy Cook to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Pat Reilly.
The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles jointly announce the final resolution of all issues related to the MASN dispute.
For the 2025 season, Washington Nationals games will continue to be televised locally exclusively by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) under a new, one-year contract. After this term, the Nationals will be free to explore alternatives for their television rights for the 2026 season and beyond. As part of the settlement, all disputes related to past media rights between the Nationals, Orioles, and MASN have been resolved, and all litigation will be dismissed.
The Nationals and Orioles extend their gratitude to Commissioner Manfred and his team at MLB for their efforts in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. Both Clubs thank our fans for their support and look forward to continuing their partnership with MASN for the upcoming season.
The last pitch thrown by Orioles closer Félix Bautista in a competitive game was Aug. 25, 2023 against the Rockies at Camden Yards. Bautista was one strike away from his 34th save but settled for the unwanted hold.
Bautista unleashed a 102.3 mph fastball to pinch-hitter Michael Toglia, tumbled toward first base, began flexing his hand and walked off the mound. He underwent reconstructive-elbow surgery in October, and rest, rehab exercises and baseball activities followed as Bautista missed the entire 2024 season. He’s gotten through bullpen and live batting practice sessions without any setbacks and is expected to pitch Monday afternoon against the Red Sox in Sarasota.
Manager Brandon Hyde provided the update earlier today in his media scrum in Clearwater, where the Orioles are playing the Phillies.
Monday's game airs on MASN and also features Tomoyuki Sugano’s second appearance with the Orioles. Charlie Morton starts and Sugano is scheduled to pitch in relief.
Bautista is expected to be ready for Opening Day, but the team will ease him back into a full-time closing role. He’s got to build up his arm and innings, and the velocity is sitting in the mid-90s.
Samuel Basallo is serving as the designated hitter this afternoon, as the Orioles make another Sunday trip to play the Phillies in Clearwater.
Gary Sánchez is behind the plate.
Ramón Laureano gets the start in center field and is batting leadoff, followed by second baseman Jackson Holliday.
Colton Cowser is in right field and Heston Kjerstad is in left. Coby Mayo is at third base.
Dean Kremer makes his first start after giving up two runs and three hits with two walks and three strikeouts over two relief innings against the Tigers in Sarasota.
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
Optioned RHP Colin Selby to minor league camp.
Reassigned C Silas Ardoin, RHP Justin Armbruester, OF Dylan Beavers, OF Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF Jud Fabian, LHP Jakob Hernandez, RHP Yaramil Hiraldo, INF Jeremiah Jackson, RHP Robinson Martínez, RHP Carlos Tavera, and RHP Nathan Webb to minor league camp.
The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 58 players (39+19 NRI).
SARASOTA, Fla. – The best season of Keegan Akin’s professional life came with one harsh outcome that he’s able to laugh about five months later.
It took that long.
Pitchers dread the slow walk back to the dugout after surrendering a game-winning run. Head bowed, the roar of the opposing crowd ringing in his ears, reporters seeking an explanation and reaction.
Akin would like to forget, but the reminder has a locker set up on the other side of the spring training clubhouse.
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill punctuated a three-homer series against the Orioles in September by clearing the Green Monster in the 10th inning. The Red Sox responded to Emmanuel Rivera’s tie-breaking single by taking advantage of a Jackson Holliday error and bringing O’Neill to the plate.
Spring is the season of dart throws.
The Orioles hit a bullseye last offseason when they signed Albert Suárez to a minor league deal.
Suárez hadn’t toed rubber in the majors since 2017, but became a key piece of the 2024 Orioles. The righty boasted a 3.09 ERA in eight games as a reliever and a 3.76 ERA as a starter.
“Big Al” may not have been a signing that turned many heads in 2023, but it was one that became consequential for Baltimore.
Naturally, many eyes are darting around camp in an attempt to find the next Suárez. A pitcher who, after an unsuccessful stint in the majors, bounced around to leagues all over the world to find his groove.
SARASOTA, Fla. – Zach Eflin makes his exhibition debut this afternoon, with the Orioles traveling to Fort Myers to play the Twins.
Gary Sánchez is behind the plate for Eflin.
Coby Mayo gets the start at first base.
Jackson Holliday is leading off and playing second base. Colton Cowser is in center field, Heston Kjerstad in left and Dylan Carlson in right.
Liván Soto, who’s 3-for-6 with two doubles, is the shortstop.
SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was asked a few days ago about a drama-free camp, how the only injuries were sustained prior to the report dates. The conversation included warnings about the risks of jinxing it.
Here we are.
We learned earlier today that Jordan Westburg hasn’t played since Saturday due to lower-back soreness. And shortstop Gunnar Henderson exited today’s game after one inning with lower right side discomfort.
No further details are available. Manager Brandon Hyde will provide an update in his post-game media scrum.
Henderson made a nice running grab of Bo Bichette’s line drive in the first. He led off the bottom of the inning with a ground ball to first baseman Will Wagner, who bobbled it and flipped to pitcher Easton Lucas.
SARASOTA, Fla. – Félix Bautista completed his second live batting practice session this morning in the intense Florida heat on the Camden Yards replica field, and it won’t be much longer before he pitches in his first Grapefruit League game.
Heston Kjerstad and Gary Sánchez kept alternating at-bats until Bautista faced seven hitters. He threw 25 pitches with Triple-A catcher Maverick Handley behind the plate.
Kjerstad struck out swinging twice and Sánchez was caught looking. Kjerstad also lined to right field and either singled or doubled into left-center field. Sánchez also popped up and grounded to third base.
One of Bautista’s splitters caused Sánchez to flail at it below the zone. He had an audible reaction to it before turning to Handley for apparent confirmation on the pitch. Or perhaps they were just admiring the quality.
Bautista has graduated from bullpen sessions. The first live batting practice was Sunday while the Orioles traveled to Clearwater to play the Phillies.
SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles reliever Nate Webb is one of today’s scheduled pitchers against the Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium.
This is a big deal for Webb and his family. It’s his first outing since March 9, 2023 in the Pirates camp prior to undergoing ligament-reconstructive surgery in his right elbow.
The Orioles signed Webb to a two-year minor league deal and were on the verge of assigning him to an affiliate before he tore his left Achilles tendon in May. He was invited to camp this spring.
Grayson Rodriguez makes his first exhibition start, with Toronto sending former Orioles minor leaguer Easton Lucas to the mound.
I’ll save you the trouble: Lucas was acquired from the Marlins for infielder Jonathan Villar on Dec. 2, 2019. The Orioles traded him to the Athletics for reliever Shintaro Fujinami on July 19, 2023.
