-1745819772711.png){kind=logo}
By winning a third consecutive series against teams that appear to be playoff bound, the Orioles actually moved from 10 to 8 ½ games out of the final Wild Card spot going into their off-day. They passed the Twins and have only six teams ahead of them.
Only. A reminder that the task is daunting. Pray for a baseball miracle.
Anyone who says “stranger things have happened” should be challenged to start naming them.
The Orioles are 43-33 since toting that grotesque 16-34 record. They could spend the entire offseason stretching out hamstrings by kicking themselves for the slow start. They fell into a nearly impossible position but are being stubborn, winning six of their last seven games and moving eight below .500 for the first time since July 29.
They’re also living rent-free in the heads of fans who can’t believe that their teams are losing to the last-place Orioles. The venting on social media is intense, and it’s spreading to the national media. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, with his 5.4 million followers on X, simply posted, “The Orioles can F off.”
The Orioles will again experience life without closer Félix Bautista.
Bautista underwent shoulder surgery yesterday to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. The club announced that Dr. Neal ElAttrache handled the procedure in Los Angeles and termed it "successful."
That last part is the only positive news. A season that's brought tremendous disappointment just delivered another devastating blow.
The initial prognosis on Bautista is a recovery period that will sideline him for at least the next 12 calendar months. A second full season is expected to proceed without him. He missed 2024 after recovering from ligament-reconstructive surgery in his right elbow.
Today's update wasn't unexpected but still hit hard. It's grossly unfair to the 2023 All-Star reliever and to the Orioles, who again must search for a closer during the offseason. They tried veteran Craig Kimbrel last year, offering a $12 million contract and releasing him in September with a 5.33 ERA over 57 appearances.
BOSTON – The Orioles didn’t bring their smoke machines and disco lights to Fenway Park. The ballpark is so old, the equipment might have blown out the fuses or started a fire. But you could hear players through the walls celebrating after Monday night’s win.
Voices were loud. Veteran pitcher Trevor Rogers made a speech praising 21-year-old rookie catcher Samuel Basallo on his first major league game behind the plate. Basallo didn’t understand every word but appreciated the kindness, smiling through most of his postgame interview at his locker.
The words coming from the stereo last night were understood and not suited for a post-game television broadcast. The music had to be turned down, but you couldn’t kill the party.
This group is having fun again.
Coping with adversity is a big part of it, including the latest round of physical setbacks.
BOSTON – One of their best hitters limped to his locker this afternoon and back to the trainers’ room, leaving behind a walking boot for his injured right ankle. The two-time All-Star catcher was scratched from the lineup with discomfort in his right side.
The interim manager had two healthy players on his bench, both rookies with a combined 16 games of major league experience, and no idea who would close in a save situation - if the Orioles were able to create it.
“I feel like we’ve got a chance to go play a good game,” said Tony Mansolino, armed with a healthy supply of optimism.
What’s lacking is experienced and reliable late-inning relief, but Mansolino worked around it in a 4-3 11-inning victory over the Red Sox before an announced crowd of 37,435 at Fenway Park.
Samuel Basallo registered his fifth RBI in three games with a swinging bunt against Garrett Whitlock in the top of the 11th that scored automatic runner Jeremiah Jackson. Corbin Martin was summoned, Connor Wong laid down a sacrifice bunt, but automatic runner Nate Eaton held on a medium-range fly ball to Colton Cowser in left-center. The throw home was way off the mark.
BOSTON - Interim manager Tony Mansolino sat down in the dugout this afternoon for his daily media scrum and said, “Whatever you guys have got, I’m ready to go.”
Orioles injuries tend to be the main topic. Notepads are recommended. Memories can't be trusted.
Infielder Jordan Westburg exited last night’s game in the first inning with discomfort in his right ankle and he’s out of tonight’s lineup. He’s avoided a second trip to the injured list and the Orioles will reevaluate his status after Wednesday’s break in the schedule.
“Came in sore today but not quite as sore as we thought he might be, which was a positive sign,” Mansolino said. “It’s hard to be overly optimistic until probably after the off-day, so I think we get to Thursday we’ll have a pretty good idea if we’re gonna kind of keep him day-to-day and keep him off the IL and what that kind of looks like. Doesn’t mean he’s gonna play Thursday, but if we’re able to just kind of suck it up four or five days and then play him.
“If Thursday he comes in and there’s not a lot of improvement, then we’re gonna have to consider the IL.”
BOSTON – Adley Rutschman was scratched from tonight’s Orioles lineup with right abdominal discomfort.
Rutschman didn’t play last night, with Samuel Basallo making his first start behind the plate. Alex Jackson is catching tonight.
The lineup shuffling has Jackson batting ninth and third baseman Luis Vázquez moving up from eighth to second.
Jordan Westburg was limping in the clubhouse earlier today and had a walking boot at his locker. He exited last night’s game in the first inning after twisting his right ankle.
So far, he's avoided the injured list. Interim manager Tony Mansolino will provide an update later.
BOSTON – Jordan Westburg is out of tonight’s Orioles lineup after injuring his right ankle last night in the first inning.
An update is coming later.
Samuel Basallo also is on the bench. Luis Vázquez is starting at third base. Dylan Beavers is in right field. Ryan Mountcastle is the designated hitter.
Coby Mayo is playing first base.
Tonight marks Tomoyuki Sugano’s 24th major league start. He’s posted a 4.13 ERA in 126 1/3 innings, and he’s only the 10th Japanese-born pitcher to win 10 games as a rookie.
BOSTON – Those moments during the season when it felt like the Orioles were scrambling to fill out their roster have disappeared like one of Samuel Basallo’s home run balls in the minors.
The crab cake analogy fits again – less filler makes for a better product.
Manager Tony Mansolino has a plan, devised by the group, and it’s going to get Basallo, Dylan Beavers and Coby Mayo in the lineup on most nights. Mayo and Adley Rutschman sat last night because Basallo needed to catch and Ryan Mountcastle needed to get some reps at first base. Players can rotate into the designated hitter role, with Jeremiah Jackson taking his turn against the Red Sox.
“It’s exciting,” Mansolino said. “It’s a good problem to have.”
Much better than those constant headaches.
BOSTON – One day after the Orioles scored a dozen runs in a shutout in Houston and celebrated the infusion of young prospect talent and energy on the roster, Jordan Westburg limped off the field and reminded everyone that the 2025 season is a cruel mistress.
Take the good, and there’s much more of it lately, but prepare to get hurt again. It’s a package deal.
Westburg came out of the game with right ankle discomfort, but the Orioles didn’t let it spoil their evening. Trevor Rogers produced another gem with one run in seven innings and the Orioles prevailed 6-3 over the Red Sox at Fenway Park for their fifth win in six games.
Rogers lowered his ERA to 1.41 and WHIP to 0.80 with his 10th quality start in 12 appearances. Gunnar Henderson hit his 15th home run in the third inning to create a three-way tie with Westburg and Jackson Holliday for the team lead, and he added a run-scoring triple in the seventh. Samuel Basallo collected his first major league extra-base hit and added a two-run single in the ninth. Dylan Beavers had his first RBI and reached base four times.
Ryan Mountcastle returned to first base, singled three times and flied to the center field wall at 404 feet and 107.2 mph.
BOSTON – Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill started baseball activities today at Fenway Park as he works toward a return from a right wrist injury.
O’Neill went on the injured list retroactive to Aug. 6 due to the inflammation.
“Threw the baseball for the first time today,” he said while standing at his locker in the visiting clubhouse. “So now it’s buildup and baseball progression, and hopefully it goes quick.”
Rosters expand on Sept. 1, but O’Neill might be able to return later this month.
“I haven’t had a specific date set in mind,” he said. “I could see that being reasonable. Hopefully, things progress quickly and I’m back before that, but you never know during the buildup. It might be a little longer. But what I know right now is I’m feeling good, I’m pretty much pain-free. It’s just getting back to baseball shape now.”
BOSTON – The Orioles have won four of their last five games and are sending out another lineup tonight ripe with top prospects.
Samuel Basallo is catching his first major league game, with Adley Rutschman on the bench. Dylan Beavers is in right field.
Coby Mayo also is on the bench. Ryan Mountcastle gets the start at first base. Jeremiah Jackson is the designated hitter.
Left-hander Trevor Rogers has a 1.43 ERA and 0.808 WHIP in 11 starts. And it all began with his start at Fenway Park in Game 2 of a May 24 doubleheader, when he allowed two hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings.
Hoyt Wilhelm (1.25 in 1959) is the only Orioles pitcher with a lower ERA in the first 11 starts in a season. Jim Palmer is third at 1.68 in 1975.
Anyone else want to play the outfield?
The Orioles aren’t holding tryouts but there’s a little experimenting with Jeremiah Jackson, who started in right again yesterday. Dylan Beavers will get plenty of starts in the corners – right Saturday and left yesterday. Interim manager Tony Mansolino said the organization’s No. 3 prospect isn’t here to sit.
Colton Cowser moves back to center field after being planted in left prior to his concussion. Greg Allen, Jordyn Adams, Daniel Johnson and Ryan Noda are gone. Tyler O’Neill is coming back, perhaps in early September.
(Adams had a triple and home run Friday night with Triple-A Norfolk and was ejected by the plate umpire after striking out. But we digress …)
Noda was listed as an infielder on the active roster, but he made three of his five career starts in right field with the Orioles.
The infusion of top prospects in the Orioles’ roster is reflected in today’s lineup for the series finale in Houston.
Samuel Basallo is making his debut at designated hitter. He’s batting sixth.
Basallo is the 62nd player to appear in a game, tying the franchise record set in 2021.
Dylan Beavers is in left field after collecting his first major league hit last night.
Colton Cowser returned from the concussion injured list this morning and he’s in center field, one spot ahead of Basallo.
One day after the Orioles selected outfielder Dylan Beavers’ contract from Triple-A Norfolk, introducing one of the organization’s top prospects to the majors, they did the same with catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo.
The top guy is here.
Basallo wasn’t in Norfolk’s lineup last night and he joined the team in Houston for this afternoon’s series finale. MLB Pipeline ranked Basallo eighth in its Top 100 and Baseball America has him seventh.
Basallo, who just turned 21, is batting .270/.377/.589 with 17 doubles, 23 home runs and 67 RBIs in 76 games. The contact is loud and violent. He sends baseballs sailing over scoreboards and stands.
“He’s grown a lot this year,” Norfolk manager Tim Federowicz said yesterday. “Obviously, he has a ton of power. He’s hitting the ball hard. Not sure on the timetable on that (promotion), but I’m sure it’s gonna happen at some point.”
Tim Federowicz is more than halfway through his first season replacing Buck Britton as manager of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. He inherited a team and a specific responsibility.
Telling a player that he’s going to the majors.
And Friday night, informing one of the top prospects in the organization that he’s flying to Houston to join the Orioles. That it’s finally happening.
“Um, real quick,” Federowicz said in the visiting clubhouse at VyStar Ballpark in Jacksonville. “Got a lot of questions about this the last couple weeks, so I’m just gonna answer in front of everybody. Dylan Beavers, you’re going to The Show.”
The Orioles posted the video on social media, which showed Beavers stand up, tip his cap, walk through the celebratory gantlet of back slaps and embrace Federowicz.
Dylan Beavers is making his major league debut tonight, starting in right field and batting sixth in Houston. He’s the 61st player used by the Orioles this season, one short of the franchise record set in 2021.
Daniel Johnson is in center field and Dylan Carlson is in left.
Coby Mayo stays at first base, with Ryan Mountcastle serving as designated hitter. Get used to it.
One night after rookie Brandon Young tossed a perfect game for 7 2/3 innings, the Orioles are using Rico Garcia as an opener.
What a weird season.
One wait is over.
The Orioles are selecting outfielder Dylan Beavers’ contract from Triple-A Norfolk, one day after the date to retain his rookie eligibility for 2026.
Outfielder Greg Allen was designated for assignment to create room. Beavers will wear No. 12 and he could be in tonight’s lineup against Astros right-hander Jason Alexander.
Beavers could have bloodied his knuckles from the hard knocks on the major league door.
The 33rd-overall draft pick in 2022 is batting .304/.420/.515 with 14 doubles, two triples, 18 home runs, 51 RBIs, 68 walks, 74 strikeouts and 23 stolen bases in 94 games in his fourth professional season. He was the designated hitter last night in Jacksonville.
No pitcher in the history of the Baltimore Orioles has thrown a perfect game.
No one could have anticipated that a rookie carrying a 6.70 ERA in his first 10 major league starts would get within four outs.
Brandon Young is a big fan of classic rock. His outing last was an instant classic, and boy, did he rock. He retired 23 batters in a row before former Oriole Ramón Urías reached on an infield single in the eighth inning in the Orioles’ 7-0 victory over the Astros at Daikin Park.
Urías sent a chopper to the left side and Young made a barehand grab. He threw off his back foot and the ball sailed past first baseman Coby Mayo for a hit and error.
Young probably had time to plant and throw but understandably was in a rush.
The Orioles have been held to four hits or fewer 22 times this season, tied with the Pirates for second most in the majors behind the Rangers’ 25. They’ve scored five runs or fewer in 12 straight games since Aug. 1. But they won the last two against the Mariners, including their first walk-off, to complete the homestand.
They’re back on the road tonight to begin a three-game series in Houston, with no roster moves announced.
Coby Mayo stays at first base. Daniel Johnson is the center fielder and Jeremiah Jackson is in right.
Gunnar Henderson has an extra-base hit in a career-best five consecutive games. He’s batting .310/.384/.500 (70-for-226) with 18 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 36 RBIs and 37 runs scored in 64 games since June 1.
Henderson leads the majors with a .511 average (23-for-45) with runners in scoring position since June 1.
The first phone call came around 2 p.m. The Tigers informed pitcher Dietrich Enns that he was designated for assignment. The left-hander had lost his major league job.
The second call arrived about 3 ½ hours later with the deadline approaching. The Orioles had traded for Enns, consummating the deal under the wire. He was losing significant ground in the standings, going from first place to last, but he avoided a demotion to the minors.
“I probably took just a couple hours to process all of that stuff, I’m guessing,” he said yesterday morning. “I wasn’t sure if I was gonna stick around with Detroit or not, but it was a blessing to be able to get traded over here and have an opportunity here.”
That was merely the first part. Enns had to take advantage of it.
The first outing was rough, with Enns allowing a run and five hits in 1 2/3 innings against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. He was scoreless in his next three appearances covering 3 2/3 innings, with two hits, no walks and nine strikeouts.
