Baltimore Orioles News

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Tyler Wells • RP • Orioles

Tyler Wells the Closer to Roster in Baltimore

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells appears to be the closer to roster in fantasy baseball leagues with Ryan Helsley (elbow) still on the injured list, and Wells is only rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues. The 31-year-old veteran and former starting pitcher is 2-2 on the year with a 2.72 ERA (3.43 FIP), 0.98 WHIP, three saves, 53 strikeouts, and only 13 walks in 53 relief innings for the O's. Veteran right-hander Andrew Kittredge has Baltimore's most recent save (on Wednesday), but he also has two losses within the last week and has not been as sharp as Wells. Wells' last save came on July 17 against the Houston Astros, but all three of his saves this year have come in July, a month in which he has allowed just two earned runs with four walks, 13 strikeouts, and a win in 13 appearances out of the bullpen. He's never been a dominant pitcher in terms of strikeouts, but his control is solid, and he does have a 25.5% strikeout rate in 2026, which is his highest mark since his rookie campaign in 2021. Fantasy managers searching for saves should consider Wells.

16 hours ago

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Yankees Checking in on Adley Rutschman

The New York Yankees are among many teams to check in on three-time All-Star/switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist), according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, who is a pending free agent, seemed like a logical fit for the Yankees, but the Twins are suggesting they are buyers with the Aug. 3 trade deadline quickly approaching. Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is another name on the Yankees' list as they seek a catching upgrade this summer. Rutschman is drawing interest despite an injury-plagued and disappointing 2026 campaign to this point. The former first overall pick out of Oregon State in 2019 is currently on the 10-day injured list with wrist inflammation and has yet to resume baseball activities, so he's not necessarily close to a return. Fellow catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) is also currently on the IL. It remains unclear if the O's are sold on Basallo as their long-term catcher, which would make Rutschman expendable.

Yesterday

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Adley Rutschman Set to Be Reassessed During Orioles' Upcoming Homestand

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) will be reassessed during the team's upcoming homestand to determine if he can resume baseball activities, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. Baltimore returns home from its current road trip on Friday. Rutschman is currently on the 10-day injured list due to left wrist inflammation, and it appears he will not be activated when first eligible on Wednesday. Across 284 plate appearances in 2026, Rutschman has hit .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored. The 28-year-old has walked in 10.6% of his plate appearances while posting just a 14.1% strikeout rate. However, he's posted just a 7.1% barrel rate, and his power could now be sapped even further if this current wrist issue lingers. With both Rutschman and Samuel Basallo (shoulder) on the injured list, the Orioles have turned to Chadwick Tromp and Yohel Pozo to handle their catching duties.

2 days ago

Rico Garcia • RP • Orioles

Orioles Turn to Rico Garcia for Monday's Save, Remains on Deep-League Radars

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Rico Garcia picked up his fifth save of 2026 on Monday night, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 8-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. With closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the injured list, Baltimore has been mixing and matching in the ninth inning in recent weeks. Garcia's save on Monday was his first since early June, as fellow Orioles right-handers Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge have been seeing more opportunities of late. However, Garcia has excellent numbers for the year overall, as he's pitched to a 2.93 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and four wins across 46 innings (49 games). While he's unlikely to see every save chance for Baltimore going forward, Garcia could still be a worthy deep-league waiver wire target with some upside.

2 days ago

Luis De Leon • SP • Orioles

Orioles No. 3 Prospect Luis De Leon Earns Call to Triple-A as MLB Debut Looms

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Luis De Leon is moving up to Triple-A Norfolk and is now just one stop away from joining the MLB roster down the stretch. De Leon is currently viewed as the No. 3 overall prospect in the system and is named to keep a close eye on over the final months of the campaign. The 23-year-old spent the 2025 season in the lower levels before ending his season with a brief taste of Double-A. Over 87 1/3 innings, De Leon posted a 3.30 ERA with a 107:41 K:BB. In 2026, De Leon has spent the entire first half at the Double-A level, where he has logged 81 innings to the tune of a 4.33 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. While his command has raised his WHIP, he has struck out 100 hitters over this noted stretch. If he can improve his command, a late-season cup of coffee with the Orioles is not out of the question.

3 days ago

Juaron Watts-Brown • SP • Orioles

Juaron Watts-Brown Earns the Call to Triple-A Norfolk

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown is moving up to Triple-A Norfolk. Watts-Brown is viewed as the No. 14 overall prospect in the system on MLB.com, and he will now be just one stop away from the major leagues. Watts-Brown began the 2026 season at the High-A level, where he logged 13 2/3 innings (three starts) to the tune of a near-perfect 0.66 ERA and a 0.59 WHIP, which prompted an early call-up to Double-A. With Chesapeake, Watts-Brown took a step back, posting a much higher 5.91 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP over 59 1/3 innings of work. However, during this stint, he continued to showcase high-end strikeout upside, tallying 74 strikeouts over this stretch. While managers should not expect him to move up to the majors in 2026, he is a name to watch as he could contend for an early call-up to Baltimore next spring.

3 days ago

Wehiwa Aloy • SS • Orioles

Orioles Promoting No. 5-Ranked Prospect Wehiwa Aloy to Double-A

The Baltimore Orioles are promoting infield prospect Wehiwa Aloy to Double-A, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Aloy is currently viewed as the team's No. 5 overall prospect on MLB.com. He joined the Orioles with the 31st overall pick in last year's draft out of Arkansas and is quickly progressing through the lower levels of the system. He spent the 2025 season at Low-A, where he posted a .288/.356/.500 line, which earned him a ticket to High-A to begin the 2026 season. At High-A (84 games), the infielder continued this pace, carrying a stellar .300/.371/.503 line with 14 doubles, 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases. If he can carry this production to Double-A, an early-season promotion to Triple-A to begin 2027 will be in play. He is a name to continue to closely monitor in dynasty formats.

3 days ago

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Adley Rutschman Begins Throwing the Ball

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) has started to make some progress on his road to return. Rutschman was able to throw on the field ahead of Saturday's game versus the Atlanta Braves. He has not started catching yet, so Rutschman still has some hurdles to jump before rejoining the O's lineup. He's eligible to come off the Injured List on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should check back in the middle of next week for another update on his status.

5 days ago

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Andrew Kittredge Takes Loss on Friday, Sees Value Fall in Baltimore Committee

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge took the loss in Friday's 7-6 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, allowing four unearned runs on two hits over two-thirds of the 10th inning. A throwing error by Jackson Holliday brought home the go-ahead run before Kittredge recorded two strikeouts, but Matt Olson followed with a three-run homer. Because all four runs were unearned, Kittredge's ERA dropped from 3.86 to 3.77. The larger fantasy concern came one inning earlier, when Tyler Wells worked a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts in a tied game. Wells ranks 53rd in RotoBaller's weekend waiver rankings with a 12-team recommendation, while Kittredge was left off the list after carrying a 15-team tag at midweek. Nearly every Yahoo waiver wire still has Kittredge available, with his roster rate at 6%. He remains worth monitoring in deep saves leagues, but Friday's usage pushed him further behind Wells and removed any urgency in standard formats.

5 days ago

Ike Irish • C • Orioles

Orioles Prospect Ike Irish Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday that first base/outfield prospect Ike Irish (knee) is being placed on the High-A Frederick seven-day injured list due to a torn left meniscus that he suffered while sliding into second base on Wednesday, according to Steve Malewski. Irish, the Orioles' No. 2-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, is likely to miss the rest of the season. The 22-year-old former 19th overall pick out of Auburn University in 2025 will have his first full pro season cut short after hitting .286/.388/.528 with a .915 OPS, 16 home runs, 59 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 62 runs scored in 76 games across 343 plate appearances at Frederick. It ends a fantastic season for Irish in the lower levels of the minors. He should be ready to play for the start of the 2027 campaign, where he'll likely begin at Double-A Chesapeake. The 6-foot-2, 201-pound left-handed hitter has a mature approach at the dish and hits the ball hard to all parts of the field. There's a lot to like about Irish, who can hit for average and provide plenty of speed. The jury is still out on his overall power ceiling, but there is at least 20-homer potential.

6 days ago

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Andrew Kittredge Remains a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target

Across 28 innings (32 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge has recorded a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and three saves. While the 36-year-old's overall line and his 20.7% strikeout rate are both middling, Kittredge has emerged as a ninth-inning option in Baltimore in recent weeks, with Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury. Baltimore has also given save chances to right-hander Tyler Wells, who has pitched to a 2.94 ERA with a 20.6% K-BB rate so far this season. Still, dating back to June 24, Kittredge has now logged 11 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run. Kittredge may not see every save chance for Baltimore the rest of the way, but he still profiles as a worthwhile waiver wire target in deeper league formats.

7 days ago

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Orioles Listening to Offers for Adley Rutschman

The Baltimore Orioles are "certainly listening" to offers for catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist), according to Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN. Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday due to left wrist inflammation, which could impact his trade market. However, the 28-year-old should return this season and is also under team control through 2027, so an acquiring team would likely view him as more than just a rental. Across 284 plate appearances this season, Rutschman is hitting .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored. He's logged the highest hard-hit rate (42.0%) of his career and also owns a stellar plate approach, posting a 10.6% walk rate and a 14,1% strikeout rate. Health is an issue for the switch-hitting catcher, as this most recent trip to the IL will be his third separate stint in 2026. Still, he profiles as a starting fantasy catcher when he's on the field.

Jul 21

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Adley Rutschman Heading to Injured List With Wrist Inflammation

The Baltimore Orioles are placing catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) on the 10-day injured list on Monday with inflammation in his left wrist, according to Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. It will be the third time in 2026 that the All-Star catcher will go on the IL. In a corresponding move, the O's selected the contract of catcher Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Norfolk. Sam Huff is doing the catching for right-hander Shane Baz on Monday and will hit ninth in the series opener against the hosting Boston Red Sox and left-hander Payton Tolle. It's bad timing for Rutschman's injury after Samuel Basallo (shoulder) was forced from Sunday's win over the Houston Astros with discomfort in his right shoulder. If Basallo also requires a stint on the IL, Huff and Tromp would split catching duties in Baltimore. The 28-year-old switch-hitting Rutschman has not been able to get going amid his injuries in 2026, hitting .251/.331/.433 with a .764 OPS, eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored across his 247 at-bats in his fifth year in the majors.

Jul 20

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo Exits Early with Right Shoulder Discomfort

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) was removed to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. Basallo appears to have tweaked his shoulder during his lone at-bat of the game in the second inning. Basallo was ultimately pulled from the game in the bottom half of the inning due to right shoulder discomfort. The O's are likely to have Basallo undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Sam Huff took over behind the plate and could see increased playing time if Basallo misses time. Adley Rutschman and Huff would split up the time behind the plate if Basallo lands on the Injured List. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on his status.

Jul 19

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley is Moved to 60-Day Injured List

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day Injured List on Sunday. Helsley has been on the shelf since July 3 due to right-elbow discomfort. The right-hander is currently dealing with inflammation around his UCL. The O's are currently having Helsley rest before they hopefully ramp him up soon. The decision to move Helsley to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Sam Huff. Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge should continue splitting up the save chances in Baltimore. Helsley is unlikely to contribute again until late August or September.

Jul 19

Kyle Bradish • SP • Orioles

Orioles Agree With Kyle Bradish on Five-Year Extension

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Saturday that they agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract extension with right-hander Kyle Bradish for the 2027-31 seasons. The deal comes after Bradish has gone 6-9 with a 3.61 ERA (4.00 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 106 strikeouts and 50 walks in 107 1/3 innings across his first 19 starts in 2026 in his fifth year with the O's. The former fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 out of New Mexico State University has gone 25-24 with a 3.50 ERA (3.62 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, a 25.2% strikeout rate, and an 8.6% walk rate in 86 starts over his five seasons in the majors. Bradish made only 14 starts for Baltimore in 2024 and 2025 combined due to Tommy John surgery, but now that he's past that, he's locked in as one of the team's top-of-the-rotation arms for the foreseeable future. Since back-to-back outings to start June in which he allowed 10 total earned runs in two starts against the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners, Bradish has allowed only nine runs (eight earned) with three wins, 11 walks, and 33 strikeouts in 34 innings in his last five starts. Bradish's arrow is pointing up for the second half of 2026.

Jul 18

Tyler Wells • RP • Orioles

Orioles Turn to Tyler Wells for Friday's Save, Emerging as Priority Closer to Roster

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells picked up his third save of the season on Friday, allowing one hit and one walk while collecting a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning of his team's 3-2 win over the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old appears to be grabbing hold of the full-time closer role in Baltimore, as he's earned three saves while allowing just one earned run across eight innings (seven games) in July. Wells' overall numbers for the year are strong as well, as he's pitched to a 2.96 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 47 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings. He's struck out 25.8% of the batters he's faced while logging a stellar 6.0% walk rate. Fantasy managers in need of saves should consider Wells a priority waiver wire target.

Jul 18

Blaze Alexander • 3B • Orioles

Blaze Alexander has No Timetable for Return

Baltimore Orioles infielder Blaze Alexander (hand) currently has no timetable to return from the 10-day Injured List. Alexander landed on the shelf on Thursday after suffering a fractured left hand during last Sunday's game. The plan is for Alexander to have weekly checkups on his hand until it is completely healed. After that, Alexander can begin the road to getting back to the Orioles lineup. While Alexander is out, Coby Mayo figures to see a majority of the time at the hot corner. He could be worth adding for fantasy managers who are patiently waiting for the return of Alexander.

Jul 17

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo a Priority Catcher Addition for the Second Half?

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo reached the break at .248/.309/.464 with 16 home runs, 46 RBI, and 34 runs in 301 plate appearances. He was only 10-for-48 over his final 15 games, but four of those hits left the yard and he drove in 11. Basallo remains available in half of Yahoo leagues. Baltimore has found room for his bat alongside Adley Rutschman, using Basallo at catcher, first base, and designated hitter. The power checks out: a 91.5 mph average exit velocity, 46.2% hard-hit rate, 13.1% barrel rate, and .482 expected slugging percentage. He does chase too much, at 40.2%, so the average may come and go. That is a manageable trade-off at catcher. RotoBaller ranks Basallo 22nd overall for the weekend, second among catcher pickups, and recommends him in 10-team leagues. He is a priority add for managers still searching for second-half power at the position.

Jul 17

Ike Irish • C • Orioles

Ike Irish Pushing for Late-Season Promotion to Double-A

Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Ike Irish has had a productive debut season at High-A but has begun to take a massive step forward over the last month. Over his most recent 20 contests (since June 16), the Auburn product has posted a stellar .321/.438/.526 line with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and seven stolen bases. More importantly, during this stretch, the young catcher has shown a strong eye at the dish, holding a 14:15 K:BB. In comparison, the 19th overall pick from last summer's draft carried a much lower .240/.349/.464 line with a .813 OPS, 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases over the first 50 games of the campaign. Dynasty managers should continue to monitor his progress as the 22-year-old will continue to emerge as one of the game's top young catchers.

Jul 17

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