Means to IL, Heasley recalled

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled RHP Jonathan Heasley from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Placed LHP John Means on the 15-day Injured List (left forearm strain).

Vespi returns to Norfolk

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The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Added LHP Nick Vespi from Triple-A Norfolk to serve as the 27th man for today’s doubleheader.

Orioles trade for Seattle catcher Hunt

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The Orioles today announced that they have acquired catcher BLAKE HUNT from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-handed pitcher MIKE BAUMANN and minor league catcher MICHAEL PÉREZ. Hunt has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Hunt, 25, is slashing .293/.372/.533 (22-for-75) with four doubles, one triple, four home runs, 15 runs scored, 20 RBI, six walks, and four hit-by-pitches in 23 games with Triple-A Tacoma this season. He’s posted a .988 fielding percentage in his eight-year career while throwing out 25.7 percent (115-of-448) would-be base stealers. The former Competitive Balance Round B selection out of Mater Dei (CA) High School by the San Diego Padres in 2017 was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a five-player trade that sent BLAKE SNELL to the Padres on December 29, 2020, before being traded to the Mariners for catcher TATEM LEVINS on November 6, 2023. Hunt has yet to appear in a Major League game, and is ranked as the No. 23 Mariners prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Baumann, 28, made 17 relief appearances this season with Baltimore, going 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA (7 ER/18.1 IP) on 18 hits (2 HR), nine walks, one hit-by-pitch, and 16 strikeouts. Baumann has spent his entire eight-year professional career in the organization, including parts of four MLB seasons since 2021, compiling a 13-5 record with a 4.45 ERA (63 ER/127.1 IP) in 94 MLB games (4 starts). He was originally selected by the Orioles in the third round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Jacksonville University (FL).

Pérez, 31, appeared in 21 games this year with Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .221/.294/.325 (17-for-77) with two doubles, two home runs, four runs, 13 RBI, five walks, and three hit-by-pitches. He was signed by the Orioles to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training on December 30, 2023. The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native was originally selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, and later debuted in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has played in 202 Major League games between the Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Mets, slashing .179/.248/.306 (97-for-543) with 22 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, 52 runs scored, 61 RBI, 47 walks, and four hit-by-pitches.

 

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Rodriguez activated, Baumann DFA

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated RHP Grayson Rodriguez from the 15-day Injured List (right shoulder inflammation). He will start today’s game.
  • Designated RHP Mike Baumann for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 38 players.

Tonight's Orioles-Blue Jays game postponed due to inclement weather

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Tonight’s scheduled game between the Orioles and Blue Jays has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a traditional (single-admission) doubleheader on Monday, July 29, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The first game will begin at 3:05 p.m. ET, followed by game two approximately 30 minutes after the first game concludes.

Tickets dated for the Monday, July 29, game will be valid for both games of the doubleheader. Original ticket buyers for tonight's postponed game (purchased directly from the Orioles) will receive a credit on their My Orioles Tickets account, which can be used towards a ticket purchase for any remaining 2024 regular season game. Credit will be available by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Please visit Orioles.com/weather for additional information.

Both games of the doubleheader will be broadcast on MASN and on the Orioles Radio Network, including the flagship station of Hearst Baltimore’s 98 Rock FM and WBAL NewsRadio AM/FM.

Rosario NL Player of the Week

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After leading Major League Baseball in OPS (1.733), slugging percentage (1.133) and on-base percentage (.600) this week, Nationals outfielder Eddie Rosario has been named National League Player of the Week. The announcement was made this afternoon on MLB Network.

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Rosario went 7-for-15 (.467) with a double, three homers, five RBI, five walks, three stolen bases and seven runs scored during the week. He hit safely in all five games, including two multi-hit efforts. He reached base safely in 12 of 20 plate appearances along the way.

Beyond this week, Rosario leads Major League Baseball in OPS (1.616) and slugging percentage (1.045) and is tied for the National League lead with four home runs since May 4. He has hit safely in seven straight games, going 10-for-22 (.455) with a double, four homers, seven RBI, six walks, four stolen bases and 10 runs scored during the streak.

This marks Rosario’s third career Player of the Week award (Aug. 2023 and Aug. 2017) and the first award won by a Nationals player this season.

Hays comes off IL, McKenna DFA

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated OF Austin Hays from the 10-day Injured List (left calf strain).
  • Designated OF Ryan McKenna for assignment.

Stowers recalled, Kjerstad optioned

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled OF Kyle Stowers from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Optioned OF Heston Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles claim Brewers RHP Martin

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The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Claimed RHP Corbin Martin off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Garcia, Robles back from IL; Call to Rochester; Matt Barnes DFA

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The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

  *   Returned left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia from rehab assignment and reinstated him from the Injured List
  *   Returned outfielder Victor Robles from rehab assignment and reinstated him from the Injured List
  *   Optioned outfielder Alex Call to Triple-A Rochester
  *   Designated right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes for assignment.

Garcia, 27, returns after missing 14 games with Influenza. In one rehab game with Single-A Fredericksburg, he struck out four without allowing a baserunner in 2.0 innings. Before his IL stint, Garcia was tied for ninth among National League relievers with 13 strikeouts, doing so in just 8.1 innings. He also stranded all five runners he inherited this season. In his career, Garcia has allowed just three extra base hits to left-handed hitters in 68 plate appearances.

Robles, 26, returns after missing 29 games with a left hamstring strain. In six rehab games with Triple-A Rochester, he hit .350 (7-for-20) with a double, a triple, three RBI, three walks, a stolen base and four runs scored. Robles played in four games before his injury, going 0-for-2 with three walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored. Robles hit .299 with five doubles, a triple, eight RBI, 11 walks, eight stolen bases and 15 runs scored in 36 games in 2023.

Call, 29, hit .313 with a double, an RBI, three walks, a stolen base and six runs scored in seven games.

Barnes, 33, recorded a 6.75 ERA (10 ER/13.1 IP) with 10 strikeouts and four walks in 14 games.

Nick Markakis and Terry Crowley elected to Orioles Hall of Fame

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Longtime Orioles Scout Dick Bowie Named Herb Armstrong Award Winner 

The Orioles today announced that former right fielder NICK MARKAKIS and former hitting coach and first baseman/designated hitter TERRY CROWLEY have been elected to the Orioles Hall of Fame. Additionally, longtime former Orioles scout DICK BOWIE will be inducted as this year’s Herb Armstrong Award winner.

The three honorees will be recognized on Friday, August 23, 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 24, prior to the 4:05 p.m. ET game against the Houston Astros. 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, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.

Markakis spent the first nine years of his 15-year career in Baltimore after being selected with the seventh overall pick of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. He ranks among the all-time Orioles leaders in doubles (6th, 316), hits (7th, 1,547), extra-base hits (8th, 473), runs (9th, 749), and RBI (10th, 658). He won two of his three career Gold Gloves in right field with the O’s (2011 & 2014). He led American League outfielders with 17 assists in 2008 and is tied with ADAM JONES for second on the Orioles all-time list with 93 outfield assists, behind PAUL BLAIR (105). His .994 fielding percentage ranks first all-time among MLB right fielders. He led the AL in times on base (283) and bWAR (7.4) in 2008. He was voted Most Valuable Oriole in 2007 after leading the team in average (.300), slugging (.485), OPS (.848), home runs (23), doubles (43), RBI (112), and hits (191).

Crowley had two stints as Baltimore’s hitting coach, spanning a total of 16 years, the second-longest coaching tenure in club history behind ELROD HENDRICKS (28). His first stint was from 1985-89. Crowley returned to the club in 1999 and coached through 2010. His 12 years as coach from 1999-2010 is the fourth-longest continuous coaching stretch in club history behind Hendricks (28), HARRY BRECHEEN (14), and BILL HUNTER (13 ½). The team records for batting average (.281 in ‘04), doubles (322 in ‘08), and on-base percentage (.353 in ‘99) were all set while he was hitting coach. In his second term as hitting coach, individuals established club records that still stand in batting average (MELVIN MORA, .340 in ‘04), doubles (BRIAN ROBERTS, 56 in ‘09), and hits (MIGUEL TEJADA, 214 in ‘06). Overall, Crowley spent 24 years as a big-league hitting coach, including eight years with Minnesota (1991-98). He also spent three years as a minor league hitting instructor, including 1984 in the Orioles farm system.

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Nationals and Orioles announce "2024 Beltway Series: Cities Connected"

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When the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles face each other for the first time in 2024, they will honor their respective fans and cities in a special way by taking part in 2024 BELTWAY SERIES: CITIES CONNECTED. Both teams will don their popular City Connect uniforms during Game 1 of the Beltway Series presented by INOVA at Nationals Park on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:45 p.m.

As part of 2024 BELTWAY SERIES: CITIES CONNECTED, the Nationals and Orioles will celebrate their joint commitment to youth baseball and softball access, as members of both clubs’ Nike RBI programs will join together for pregame ceremonies. Nationals Philanthropies will make a charitable contribution to Harlem Park Elementary Middle School in West Baltimore – the Orioles’ adopted school, while Baltimore will reciprocate with a contribution to the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy – the signature program of Nationals Philanthropies – when the Nationals visit Baltimore later this season.

Launched in 2022, the Nationals’ cherry blossom-themed City Connect uniforms celebrate hope and new beginnings, symbolized by the beautiful gift from the people Japan that lines the Tidal Basin and brings together individuals from around the world. The architectural typeface on the jersey represents the city’s strength, while the tonal floral toile is a symbol of its beauty. The pink and ivory color palette, which evokes the feeling of spring in D.C., is set against a dark anthracite background. Cherry blossom petals and branches, as well as the city flag, are prominently displayed, showcasing the pride the Nationals have for their hometown.

The Orioles debuted their City Connect uniforms in 2023, turning to the people of Baltimore for inspiration. The inner tapestry design reflects the neighborhoods that make up the vibrant, bustling metropolis of more than 3 million people. The uniform celebrates the vision that the city and team share of colorful, color blind, vibrant and open community that celebrates differences and defends equal access to fundamental American freedoms.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nats.com/Tickets.

Florida Complex League Orioles open season on May 4

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Fans invited to attend home games at no cost

The Orioles’ year-round baseball operations continue in Sarasota, Fla. with the Florida Complex League (FCL) Orioles, who begin play on Saturday, May 4, at Ed Smith Stadium. The FCL O’s are scheduled to play 30 home games between May 4 and July 25, with potential playoffs from July 27-30. The FCL, which includes 15 teams, gives many international players their first professional experience in the United States, as well as recently drafted or signed players their first experience in professional baseball.

Home games begin at 12:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday, and at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. There is no cost to attend the games, which will be held on the Main Field. Fans may enter through the Left Field Gate 30 minutes before first pitch, unless otherwise noted. Free parking is available in the East Lot at the corner of 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Concession stands will be closed. Game times and locations are subject to change without notice due to weather and field conditions. 

Baltimore’s farm system is currently rated as the top player development system in baseball, according to Baseball America, ESPN, and MLB Pipeline.

In the 14 years since the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training operations to Sarasota, nearly 1.4 million fans have enjoyed Orioles baseball at Ed Smith Stadium. In addition, the Orioles host a myriad of special events throughout the year – including youth sports tournaments, arts and entertainment programs, and charitable activations – helping to generate more than $686 million in economic impact in the state of Florida since 2015. Beyond economic impact, the Orioles have provided more than $3.9 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made it a priority to combat food insecurity, empower local youth through baseball clinics and the annual Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge, and give back when the community needs them the most. The Orioles partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host food collections throughout the year and Ed Smith Stadium is used for their annual “ThankFULL” Turkey Distribution, providing local families in need with necessary food prior to the holidays. For details, visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.

Birdland Murals series, powered by PNC, expands to downtown Baltimore

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Eye-catching mural outside of the Baltimore Convention Center to serve as a beacon of creativity that will echo the soul of the city

Today the Orioles unveiled the latest mural installation as part of the Birdland Murals series, powered by PNC. This year, the Orioles and PNC have displayed a prominent mural located downtown on the west side of the Baltimore Convention Center. The new mural will continue celebrating the vibrant culture, fascinating history, distinctive neighborhoods, and remarkable people of Baltimore, enabling Orioles fans and the community to enjoy the extraordinary skills of various local artists.

“We are excited to unveil the next installment of the Birdland Murals powered by PNC,” said LAURA GAMBLE, PNC Regional President for Greater Maryland. “The mural series brings together the Baltimore community’s two great loves: the arts and the Orioles. PNC is proud to sponsor this beautiful new mural in downtown Baltimore.”

As a city agency and a major gathering space for out-of-town visitors, the Baltimore Convention Center aligns this effort with Mayor Brandon Scott’s Downtown Rise initiative. This mural symbolizes the accessibility of arts, culture, and entertainment as fundamental elements for a thriving downtown and creates a space where people can come together to contribute to the vibrancy of Baltimore City. 

“I’m deeply grateful to the Orioles, PNC Bank, and all of our partners who have made this mural project possible,” said Baltimore City Mayor BRANDON SCOTT. “As we continue our work to brighten downtown and showcase the best Baltimore has to offer, this mural will hold a special place in that effort. The Orioles' commitment to projects like this shows that they are not just a team in Baltimore, but a team of Baltimore. I am incredibly excited for everyone coming downtown for games — or any reason — to see this beautiful new mural and reflect on our city, our history, and the renaissance that we’re building here.” 

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Orioles reinstate Kyle Bradish, designate Yohan Ramírez for assignment

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated RHP Kyle Bradish from the 15-day Injured List (right UCL sprain). He will start today’s game.
  • Designated RHP Yohan Ramírez for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 39 players.

Orioles reinstate John Means, place Grayson Rodriguez on 15-day injured list

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated LHP John Means from the 15-day Injured List (left forearm strain).
  • Placed RHP Grayson Rodriguez on the 15-day Injured List (right shoulder inflammation), retroactive to April 30.

Pérez comes off IL, Tate optioned

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated LHP Cionel Pérez from the 15-day Injured List (right oblique strain).
  • Optioned RHP Dillon Tate to Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles select McKenna contract, option Holliday as Bañuelos DFA

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The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contract of OF Ryan McKenna from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Optioned 2B/SS Jackson Holliday to Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Designated C David Bañuelos for assignment.

Nationals reinstate Keibert Ruiz

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The Washington Nationals returned from rehabilitation assignment reinstated catcher Keibert Ruiz from the 10-day Injured List and optioned catcher Drew Millas to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.
 
Ruiz, 25, returns after missing 11 games with influenza. He appeared in two rehab games with Double-A Harrisburg this week. Prior to being placed on the Injured List, Ruiz was hitting .194 with a homer, three RBI, two walks and two runs scored in his first eight games of the season.
 
Millas, 26, appeared in one game during his second Major League stint this season.

Nationals recall Lipscomb as Thomas goes on IL

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The Washington Nationals recalled infielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester and placed outfielder Lane Thomas on the 10-day Injured List with a sprain of the left MCL on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Lipscomb, 23, returns to the Nationals after being optioned to Rochester on April 15. He hit .224 with one homer, four RBI, three walks, four stolen bases and seven runs scored in 14 games during his first stint with Washington from March 30 to April 14. In four games with Rochester, Lipscomb went 4-for-16 (.250) with two RBI while playing both second base (2 G) and third base (2 G).

Lipscomb made his Major League debut on March 30 at Cincinnati and became the first player in Nationals history (2005-pres.) to record a hit and a stolen base in his Major League debut. He hit his first career home run the following day, a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh inning.

Thomas, 28, hit .184 with two homers, 10 RBI, eight walks, 11 stolen bases and six runs scored in 22 games before sustaining the injury on Tuesday night. He ranks third in Major League Baseball with 11 stolen bases.