Baltimore Orioles News

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Zach Eflin • SP • Orioles

Zach Eflin Exits Start on Tuesday Due to Elbow Discomfort

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin (elbow) exited early from his start on Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers due to right elbow discomfort, per Roch Kubatko of MASN. Before getting hurt, the veteran right-hander pitched 3 2/3 innings and recorded seven strikeouts while allowing four hits, two walks, and one earned run. While the extent of Eflin's injury has yet to be determined, an elbow issue of any serious nature could lead to considerable missed time. Eflin entered 2026 in search of a bounce-back season. Back troubles limited the 31-year-old to just 71 1/3 innings (14 starts), and he struggled to a 5.93 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with a minuscule 16.2% strikeout rate. If Eflin ends up missing time due to this current ailment, veteran right-hander Dean Kremer could be the most likely candidate to take his spot in the Orioles' rotation.

11 hours ago

Gunnar Henderson • SS • Orioles

Odds of Gunnar Henderson Signing Long-Term Extension are "Extremely Low"

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal said on Foul Territory on Tuesday that the odds of shortstop Gunnar Henderson signing a long-term contract extension with the Baltimore Orioles are likely "extremely low." Henderson is represented by super-agent Scott Boras, which means he's unlikely to agree to an under-market deal for the sake of long-term stability. As Rosenthal notes, Boras prefers to see his clients reach the open market so that they can sell their services to the highest bidder. If the 24-year-old reaches the open market, he'll be one of the top players available in free agency. Henderson was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and had a monster season, slashing .281/.364/.529 with an .893 OPS, 37 home runs, 92 RBI, 118 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases in 719 plate appearances over 159 regular-season games. He came back down to Earth in 2025 with a .274/.349/.438 slash line, 17 homers, 68 RBI, and 30 stolen bases in 154 games, but he's still one of the premier shortstops in the league in his prime. We wouldn't be surprised if Henderson posts his first 30-30 season in 2026 if he stays healthy.

16 hours ago

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo Resting on Monday

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo is not in the starting lineup for the series opener on Monday at Camden Yards against the visiting Texas Rangers, according to MLB.com. Adley Rutschman is behind the plate and will bat cleanup for the O's against right-hander Jack Leiter. Outfielder Tyler O'Neill is the designated hitter and will hit out of the five-hole. The 21-year-old Basallo will get his first day off of the 2026 season after he started in each of the first three games of the year versus the Minnesota Twins. Basallo went 2-for-10 in the first three games with two walks and four strikeouts at the dish. Young outfielder Dylan Beavers is also making a start on Monday with O'Neill at DH, getting the nod in right field and batting sixth. Basallo should be back in the starting lineup for fantasy managers for Game 2 of the series on Tuesday night.

Yesterday

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Andrew Kittredge Will Begin a Rehab Assignment on Wednesday

Baltimore Orioles right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge (shoulder inflammation) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, according to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Kittredge opened the 2026 regular season on the 15-day injured list, but he previously told reporters that he didn't expect to miss too much time. Indeed, he'll return to the mound for his rehab assignment on April 1 and could possibly be activated as soon as he's eligible to return on April 6. With that said, he's eligible to remain on rehab assignment through the end of April. The veteran reliever is looking to build off an impressive 2025 campaign in which he posted a 3.06 FIP with 10.9 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9. He's capable of pitching in high-leverage scenarios in the later innings. He projects best as an eighth-inning setup option before the Orioles turn to closer Ryan Helsley, who recorded two saves in the Orioles' opening series.

Yesterday

Coby Mayo • 1B • Orioles

Coby Mayo Ready for Breakout Season?

Baltimore Orioles corner infielder Coby Mayo spent the offseason hitting sliders, curveballs, and changeups "at their most extreme movement profiles" off a pitching machine in an effort to help him square the baseball up more frequently, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Mayo is Baltimore's everyday third baseman to begin the 2026 season with Jordan Westburg (elbow) likely out through April. In 2025, Mayo whiffed on 43.8% of the breaking balls that he swung at. Although he's gone just 2-for-9 in the early going in the first three games of the 2026 season, Mayo has two walks and two strikeouts and is already squaring the ball up more frequently. In 85 games for the O's last year, Mayo slashed .217/.299/.388 with a .687 OPS, 11 home runs, 28 RBI, and 30 runs scored in 294 plate appearances. With more consistent playing time at third base early on this year, Mayo will have an opportunity to become a post-hype breakout in Baltimore.

Yesterday

Dylan Beavers • RF • Orioles

Dylan Beavers Making First Appearance in Center Field

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Dylan Beavers (knee) will bat eighth and play center field during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Beaver sat out the season opener while recovering from knee and quadriceps injuries, but he made his season debut on Saturday, going 0-for-2 before the Orioles pinch-hit for him. It's interesting to see that he's playing center field, because that's a somewhat new position for him. He did play center in the minors, but all of his defensive innings in the majors have come in right or left field. He'll be up for the task, though, as he posted a modest 0 OAA and -1 FRV in the outfield last year. Beavers is a candidate to get his first hit of the season on Sunday against Twins right-hander Bailey Ober. The left-handed-hitting outfielder posted a strong .244/.387/.411 slash line against righties in 2025.

2 days ago

Adley Rutschman • C • Orioles

Adley Rutschman Not Starting on Sunday

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman isn't in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Instead, Samuel Basallo will catch and bat fifth. Rutschman has been hitting well through the Orioles' first two contests. He's 2-for-6 with a single, double, two walks, and one strikeout. Defensively, he does have one error and is 0-for-2 throwing out base stealers. Rutschman gets the day off because the Orioles are facing Twins right-hander Bailey Ober. The backstop had a mere .659 OPS against righties last year. Basallo's OPS against righties was even worse (.556), but he still hit them better than lefties. He started at designated hitter in the previous two games, going 1-for-7 with a single, a walk, and two strikeouts. We expect to see Rutschman in the starting lineup on Monday, and we wouldn't be surprised if he comes off the bench as a pinch-hitter in the series finale against Minnesota on Sunday.

2 days ago

Shane Baz • SP • Orioles

Shane Baz, Orioles Agree to Five-Year Extension

Right-hander Shane Baz and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension on Friday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 26-year-old was acquired in a trade this winter from the Tampa Bay Rays and is set for a big payday after his first fully healthy season in 2025. Baz went 10-12 for the Rays last year with a 4.87 ERA (4.37 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, and 176:64 K:BB in 166 1/3 innings over his 31 starts. The former first-rounder (12th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017 had thrown a previous career high of 79 1/3 major-league innings in 2024. He looked good this spring, allowing three earned runs with four walks and 14 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings over three Grapefruit League starts, and his first regular-season start is scheduled to come this Sunday versus the Minnesota Twins. Baz is looking to take the next step as a more consistent starter in Baltimore in 2026. He had 13 outings of two or fewer runs allowed in 2025, and he'll be in a more pitcher-friendly park in Camden Yards.

4 days ago

Shane Baz • SP • Orioles

Is Shane Baz Poised for a Breakout Season in Baltimore?

Across 166 1/3 innings (31 starts) for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, starting pitcher Shane Baz recorded a 10-12 record with a 4.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 176 strikeouts. Baz was traded to the Baltimore Orioles over the offseason, and he's currently penciled into a mid-rotation role in Baltimore. While Baz's ERA and WHIP were both inflated in 2025, there's reason to believe he may have gotten a bit unlucky. He had the misfortune of pitching his home games in a minor league park last season, which helped contribute to his elevated 1.42 HR/9. Baz allowed 18 home runs across 82 1/3 innings at home, compared to just eight home runs in 84 innings on the road. If Baz can hold his 24.8% strikeout rate while doing a better job limiting the long ball, he could easily see his ERA regress closer to his 2025 xERA of 3.86. Baz also performed well in Spring Training for Baltimore, allowing just three earned runs and four walks while striking out 14 across 10 1/3 innings. He profiles as a fantasy SP4/5 with upside entering 2026.

4 days ago

Taylor Ward • LF • Orioles

Taylor Ward in Leadoff Spot in Orioles Debut

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward is starting in left field and will bat in the leadoff spot in his debut with the team on Opening Day on Thursday against the visiting Minnesota Twins and right-hander Joe Ryan, according to MLB.com. In his career against Ryan, Ward is hitless in six at-bats with an RBI. At least until second baseman Jackson Holliday returns from his hand injury, the 32-year-old Ward will be Baltimore's preferred option at the top of the lineup in the early going. He'll give the O's plenty of thump from the right side in the outfield in his first year with the club after cracking a career-high 36 homers and driving in 103 in 663 plate appearances over 157 games played in 2025 in his final season with the Los Angeles Angels. He will look to keep things going at the plate after a strong spring showing, batting .281 (9-for-32) with a homer, three RBI, seven runs scored, and two steals in 13 Grapefruit League contests.

5 days ago

Dylan Beavers • RF • Orioles

Dylan Beavers Not in Opening Day Lineup

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (knee, quadriceps) is out of the team's Opening Day lineup on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. Tyler O'Neill is starting in right field and will hit sixth for the O's against Twins right-hander Joe Ryan. Beavers isn't quite ready to make his 2026 debut after sitting out of action the last week with tightness in his right knee and quadriceps muscle. He managed to avoid the injured list, though, so he could be back in Baltimore's starting lineup any day now. It won't be a strict platoon in right field this year, but Beavers and O'Neill are expected to share time at the position. The 24-year-old Beavers, who hits from the left side, made his big-league debut last year and went 25-for-110 (.227) with four home runs and 14 RBI in 137 plate appearances and 35 games played. He has 20/20 potential and could force his way into more playing time if he can get past his injury and get off to a hot start at the plate in his first full MLB season.

5 days ago

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday to Begin Rehab Assignment on Friday

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) will start a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, according to Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com. Holliday was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday after having surgery on Feb. 12 to remove the fractured hamate bone from his right hand, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he's expected to make his 2026 season debut around mid-April. Because of his hand injury, the 22-year-old was unable to play at all in any Grapefruit League games in spring training. The former first overall pick in 2022 looked overmatched in his first 60 games in the majors in 2024, but he bounced back in 2025 with a .242/.314/.375 slash line, .690 OPS, 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases in 149 games. If he avoids any more injuries this year, Holliday's upside as a rising young second baseman is evident. We wouldn't be surprised if he puts up his first 20-20 season despite a delayed start to the regular season.

6 days ago

Dylan Beavers • RF • Orioles

Dylan Beavers "Feels Ready to Go" for Opening Day

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (knee) said he "peeled back" on activity that irritated his right knee/quadriceps and has been receiving treatment, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Beavers had a full work day on Tuesday, including running the bases, and "feels ready to go" for Opening Day on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. In 11 Grapefruit League games this spring before his injury, Beavers went 7-for-33 (.212) with a homer, four doubles, two RBI, four runs scored, one walk, and 10 strikeouts in 34 plate appearances. He played in 35 games for the O's in his MLB debut in 2025, hitting .227 (25-for-110) with four homers, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 137 plate appearances. It remains to be seen how big a role Beavers will have in the outfield in Baltimore to begin his first full year in the big leagues, but he's a high-floor prospect who had a .304 batting average, 18 home runs, and 23 steals in 94 games at Triple-A Norfolk in 2025.

6 days ago

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday Placed on 10-Day Injured List

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday. The left-handed slugger is working his way back from a broken hamate bone that he suffered back in February and has been making steady progress, even taking live batting practice last week. A minimal stay on the IL appears to be in order, so expect an announcement of a rehab assignment soon, which would likely take place at Triple-A Norfolk. The former first overall draft pick debuted in 2024 and showed signs of improvement in 2025, dropping his K% from 33.2 percent to 21.6 percent as his contact rate went from 70.3 percent to 78.7 percent, resulting in a wRC+ that went from 62 to 96. If the 22-year-old can continue to improve, he could be on the verge of a very fantasy-friendly third season in the big leagues.

6 days ago

Dylan Beavers • RF • Orioles

Dylan Beavers Progressing Well, Status for Opening Day Remains Uncertain

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (knee) is progressing well through his knee injury, according to Andrew Golden of The Baltimore Banner. Beavers has been sidelined since Friday after being scratched from a spring training game due to a sore knee. While his status for Opening Day remains uncertain, the young outfielder's progress is a positive sign that he could be cleared in time. In spring training, the former 33rd overall pick has held a .212/.235/.485 slash line with one home run over a short 11-game stint. Beavers made his MLB debut last summer and flashed solid power upside over his first 35 games, launching four home runs and swiping two bags with a .775 OPS. If Beavers is unable to suit up on Opening Day, managers should expect Tyler O'Neill to get the starting nod in right field.

Mar 23

Coby Mayo • 1B • Orioles

Orioles GM Praises Coby Mayo

Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias had good things to say when asked about his confidence in corner infielder Coby Mayo, according to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. "We're very fortunate to have Coby Mayo right behind Jordan Westburg. He's a promising young player. He's got a great opportunity ahead of him, and I think he's ready," Elias said. Not only is regular third baseman Jordan Westburg (elbow) expected to be out until some point in May, but Mayo has been raking in spring training. The 24-year-old came into Saturday's Grapefruit League action hitting .412 (14-for-34) with two home runs, three doubles, 12 RBI, three runs scored, and a stolen base in 37 plate appearances. The former top prospect will enter his third year in the majors as Baltimore's starting third baseman, giving him a huge opportunity to turn things around after hitting .201/.285/.349 with a weak .634 OPS, 11 home runs, 28 RBI, 34 runs scored, and a 106:31 K:BB in 102 games in his first two major-league seasons. Mayo's fantasy stock in both single-year and dynasty/keeper leagues is on the rise given Westburg's injury situation.

Mar 22

Jordan Westburg • 3B • Orioles

Jordan Westburg to be Sidelined into May

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg (elbow) has already been ruled out for Opening Day and is looking at an extended absence. O's general manager Mike Elias told reporters on Saturday that he expects Westburg to be sidelined into May. Westburg is currently working his way back from a partially torn UCL in his elbow. It sounds like Westburg is progressing well right now, but still has a long road ahead of him. His absence figures to mean increased playing time for Coby Mayo at the hot corner. Also, Blaze Alexander and Jeremiah Jackson could see more at-bats while Westburg is sidelined. Fantasy managers holding Westburg on their IL might be waiting until sometime in May to get anything out of him.

Mar 21

Keegan Akin • RP • Orioles

Keegan Akin Injured While Warming Up in Bullpen

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Keegan Akin (thigh) injured his adductor while warming up in the bullpen during Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Manager Craig Albernaz said that he doesn't know the severity of the injury, and the team wanted to be cautious. At this point, it's unclear whether the injury will threaten his spot on the Orioles' 26-man roster to open the season. The left-hander is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he posted a 3.41 ERA across 64 appearances. Compared to his 4.94 FIP, the ERA indicates that Akin may have been somewhat lucky. He'll presumably work to improve his results on the mound after surrendering 4.69 BB/9 and 1.42 HR/9 last year.

Mar 21

Dean Kremer • SP • Orioles

Dean Kremer Optioned to Minor-League Camp on Saturday

The Baltimore Orioles optioned starting pitcher Dean Kremer to minor league camp on Saturday, per Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com. Kremer's demotion comes as a bit of a surprise, as the 30-year-old has made 106 starts over the past four seasons for Baltimore and was expected to open 2026 at the back end of the team's rotation. However, veteran right-hander Zach Eflin has turned heads with his performance in Spring Training and may have bumped Kremer off the roster. Across 171 2/3 innings (29 starts) in 2025, Kremer recorded an 11-10 record with a 4.19 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 142 strikeouts. Given his experience and track record of reasonable effectiveness, Kremer will almost certainly get another shot in the big leagues at some point this season. However, his fantasy value is built on his ability to eat innings, so his stock is obviously following this news.

Mar 21

Zach Eflin • SP • Orioles

Zach Eflin Has "Checked Every Box" in Spring Training

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that starting pitcher Zach Eflin has "checked every box" with his performance in Spring Training to this point, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Eflin dominated the New York Yankees in his most recent Spring Training start on Friday, striking out seven batters over 5 1/3 scoreless innings. The 31-year-old battled injuries and ineffectiveness in 2025, posting a 5.93 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 50 strikeouts across 71 1/3 innings (14 starts) for Baltimore. Still, the Orioles re-signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract, and Eflin looks to have assured himself a spot in the starting rotation with his performance this Spring. With a career strikeout rate of 20.5%, Eflin is unlikely to be a reliable source of whiffs for fantasy managers. However, he's very good at limiting walks and posted three consecutive seasons with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower from 2022 through 2024. If he can stay healthy in 2026, Eflin could emerge as a solid innings-eater who is currently undervalued in fantasy drafts.

Mar 21

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