SARASOTA, Fla. - After leaving the only organization he has ever known as a professional reliever, pitcher Josh Osich is starting to get used to his new team. He's been an Oriole since Feb. 19, when they claimed him on waivers from the San Francisco Giants. A lefty reliever with a mid 90s fastball, he's trying to make the opening day roster against stiff competition. There are four bullpen lefties on the O's 40-man roster, and the other three are Richard Bleier, Tanner Scott and Paul Fry....

SARASOTA, Fla. - The walk back to the clubhouse stings, no matter the date or relative insignificance of the game. Branden Kline is a competitor. He's a proud young man. And he really wishes that he could undo the pitch he threw yesterday to the Pirates' Cole Tucker leading off the bottom of the ninth inning at LECOM Park. A fastball in a 2-0 count with the score tied. Tucker clearing the right field fence and circling the bases. Players leaving the field as fans head toward the exits. "I...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Patrick Corbin, who signed a six-year, $140 million deal with the Nationals in the offseason, has come as advertised. The southpaw makes his third Grapefruit League start this afternoon against the Cardinals in Jupiter, and he's yet to allow an earned run over five innings. In two outings, Corbin has surrendered three hits, hasn't walked a batter and has struck out three. Victor Robles is leading off and playing center field for the Nationals today, with Matt Adams at...

SARASOTA, Fla.- Catcher Jesús Sucre makes his Orioles debut this afternoon, batting sixth against the Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium. Sucre is jumping into the catching competition after reporting late due to visa issues in Venezuela. Trey Mancini is in left field, his left pinky finger healed. But still no Chris Davis, who's day-to-day with a sore left hip. Renato Núñez is at first base today and Hanser Alberto is playing third base. Jace Peterson is starting at second base. Andrew...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Sig Mejdal is the Orioles' assistant general manager, analytics. He was hired by Mike Elias in November, five days after Elias was named the Orioles' executive vice president and general manager. Mejdal was hired by the club to build an analytics department, and also to advise Elias in all baseball operations decisions. Upon his hire, Elias said: "Sig Mejdal is one of the most experienced and accomplished analysts working in baseball today. To have him join our Orioles...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Before I can get a stronger grip on the 25-man roster that will be unveiled on opening day in the Bronx, I still need to know how many pitchers are heading north. Is it a 12- or 13-man pitching staff? Does manager Brandon Hyde envision carrying four starters until a fifth is needed on April 10? The mocks are murky without this information. The position battles continue in the outfield, at third base and behind the plate. I'm giving Rule 5 pick Richie Martin the starting job at...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Stephen Strasburg expected to pitch three innings today. That was the plan. Three times up and down. And when he extended himself with a 27-pitch first inning against the Mets, he had little room for error if he was going to reach his goal. So imagine the right-hander's surprise when he got to the dugout after working three innings and throwing 48 pitches when he was told he was going back out for the fourth inning. "They just told me I had eight to 10 more pitches, so...

BRADENTON, Fla. - Left-hander Donnie Hart, designated for assignment by the Orioles on March 1, has been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers. The Orioles designated Hart to make room for infielder Hanser Alberto. He posted a 5.59 ERA and 2.224 WHIP in 20 appearances with the Orioles last summer. In his only spring inning, Hart retired the side in order with two strikeouts. The former 27th round pick has a 3.43 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in 93 major league games. Branden Kline fell behind 2-0 to the...

With the start of the season fast approaching, the Orioles will host a Birdland Memberships Open House on Saturday, March 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Birdland Memberships Open House allows fans who are interested in becoming Birdland Members to learn about the new membership benefits, including concessions and merchandise discounts, special ballpark access, and the all-new Birdland Rewards. Fans will have an opportunity to "try out" available seat...

BRADENTON, Fla. - No matter what role fits Mike Wright in the eyes of manager Brandon Hyde, the most important point is how the right-hander has done everything needed to stay with the club. Leaving nothing to chance. Wright is out of options but he hasn't run out of time. Three more scoreless innings today against the Pirates raised his total to 10. If there's no room in the rotation, especially with early off-days eliminating the need for a fifth starter until April 10, the Orioles can...