Urías, Westburg return

Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated INF Ramón Urías from the 10-day Injured List (right ankle sprain).
  • Reinstated INF Jordan Westburg from the 10-day Injured List (right hand fracture).
  • Optioned OF Daniel Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Optioned INF Livan Soto to Triple-A Norfolk.

Coulombe reinstated as Smith goes to IL

Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated LHP Danny Coulombe from the 60-day Injured List (left elbow surgery).
  • Placed RHP Burch Smith on the 15-day Injured List (right adductor groin strain), retroactive to September 18.

Nationals reinstate Trevor Williams, option Zach Brzykcy

williams v BAL

The Washington Nationals returned from rehab assignment and reinstated right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams from the 60-day Injured List and optioned right-handed pitcher Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. Additionally, the Nationals transferred right-handed pitcher Joan Adon to the 60-day Injured List. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Williams, 32, went 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 11 starts prior to being placed on the Injured List with a right flexor muscle strain on June 4. He struck out 47 batters, walked 16 and allowed just two home runs in 56.2 innings as the Nationals went 9-2 in his 11 starts prior to the injury. Williams allowed two earned runs or fewer in nine starts and pitched to 1.80 ERA (6 ER/30.0 IP) in his last six starts.

Williams made two rehab starts with Double-A Harrisburg. He tossed 7.1 innings across two starts on Sept. 10 and Sept. 15.

In two seasons with the Nationals, Williams is 11-10 with a 4.61 ERA in 41 starts. He is in his ninth professional season and is 49-54 with a 4.34 ERA in 200 career games (159 starts).

Brzykcy, 25, appeared in six games out of Washington’s bullpen. He made his Major League debut on Sept. 1 vs. Chicago (NL).

Orioles announce 2024 award winners for player development & scouting

mayo spring 2024

The Orioles today announced the winners of their player development and scouting awards for 2024, including infielder COBY MAYO as the club’s top minor league player and right-handed pitcher BRANDON YOUNG as the club’s top minor league pitcher. Latin America Coordinator of Instruction SAMUEL VEGA and Area Scout DONOVAN O’DOWD will also be honored for their contributions to the organization. The award winners will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, with awards presented by Orioles Vice President of Player Development and Domestic Scouting, Matt blood, Orioles Director of Player Development, Anthony Villa, Orioles Director of Minor League Operations, Kent Qualls, and Orioles Manager of Domestic Scouting, Chad Tatum.

Mayo, 22, slashed .293/.369/.574 (99-for-338) with 23 doubles, three triples, 22 homers, 61 runs scored, 67 RBI, 39 walks, and four stolen bases in 87 regular season games at Triple-A Norfolk. His contract was selected on August 2, and he made his Major League debut that day at Cleveland. Mayo was later optioned on August 15, before being recalled again on September 1, for his second MLB stint. His 22 home runs with the Tides rank seventh in the International League, despite stints on the Injured List and the Orioles’ Major League roster. Mayo’s 25 homers in the Minors this year are the most by an MLB Top 100 prospect this season and his .943 OPS and .574 slugging percentage would pace all qualified hitters in the International League. Mayo was named the O’s Minor League Player of the Month in April after slashing .330/.400/.652 (38-for-115) with six doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 21 runs scored, 25 RBI, and 12 walks across 28 games. Mayo was ranked as the sixth-best overall MLB prospect in ESPN’s midseason rankings and is currently ranked the eighth-best prospect by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. He is also currently ranked as the top Orioles prospect by Baseball AmericaESPN, and MLB Pipeline. Mayo was drafted 103rd overall by the Orioles in the fourth round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft.

Young, 26, has posted a 5-5 record with a 3.48 ERA (41 ER/106.0 IP), allowing 96 hits, 46 total runs, eight home runs, two hit batters, 34 walks, and 129 strikeouts in 26 games (23 starts) through September 16, between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. Young was promoted on May 28, after going 0-2 and producing a 4.09 ERA (10 ER/22.0 IP) on 21 hits (1 HR), 10 total runs, and four walks with 36 strikeouts in seven games (6 GS) for the Baysox. He has gone 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA (31 ER/84.0 IP) on 75 hits allowed (7 HR), 36 total runs, 30 walks, and two hit batters with 93 strikeouts in 19 games (17 GS) for the Tides. He ranks among Orioles organizational leaders in strikeouts (3rd), games started (4th), and innings pitched (7th). Among Orioles minor leaguers with at least 90.0 innings pitched, he ranks third in strikeout-to-walk ratio (21.6), fourth in WHIP (1.23), sixth in ERA, and sixth in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (10.95). Young was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Orioles on June 14, 2020, out of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is currently ranked as the No. 19 O’s prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 24 Orioles prospect by Baseball America.

Vega has been named the winner of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award, in honor of the late Orioles coach and manager who is widely regarded as the architect of “The Oriole Way.” Each year, a minor league staff member who exemplifies Ripken’s qualities as an instructor is recognized with the award. Vega was named the Orioles Latin America Field Coordinator in 2022, overseeing the development of the club’s international prospects. Vega has played an instrumental role in getting the O's brand-new state-of-the-art Dominican Republic training facility up and running, creating a culture of hard work and accountability among the international players. Under Vega's instruction, several of the Orioles Dominican Summer League players earned league-wide accolades, including outfielder JORDAN SANCHEZ who was named MiLB’s Player of the Week for the week of June 17 to 23, being named the Orioles MiLB Player of the Month for June, and being named a DSL All-Star. In July, right-handed pitcher KEVIN VELASCO was named the Orioles’ MiLB Pitcher of the Month, and right-handed pitcher ADRIAN HEREDIA was named the MiLB Pitcher of the Week for the week of August 5 to 11. The Orioles currently have 12 international prospects in their top 30, according to MLB Pipeline, the most since Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias, joined the organization in 2019 and a testament to the work Vega and his team are doing in the DR. This year, the DSL Orioles Orange clinched a playoff berth for the first time under Mike Elias in the inaugural season of the new Dominican Republic Academy.

O’Dowd was named the Jim Russo Scout of the Year, named in honor of the man who spent 33 years in various scouting capacities with the Orioles beginning with their move from St. Louis in 1954. O’Dowd has been in the organization since 2019, proving to be a key member of the Orioles’ scouting operations as he patrols the country’s Northeast area, which ranges from Virginia to Maine. Since joining the organization, he has provided valuable insight in a way that is respected, taking the initiative to learn and implement the organization’s scouting philosophies in his process. Some of his recent signees include two of the Orioles top three draft picks this year, GRIFF O’FERRALL (Virginia), and ETHAN ANDERSON (Virginia), as well as undrafted free agents TREY GIBSON (Liberty) and TT BOWENS (Central Connecticut State).

Continue reading

Orioles designate Craig Kimbrel for assignment, recall Bryan Baker

kimbrel city

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled RHP Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Designated RHP Craig Kimbrel for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 37 players.

Nick Maton clears waivers, accepts assignment to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles-Jacket-Logos

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • INF/OF Nick Maton has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles nominate James McCann for 2024 Roberto Clemente Award

James McCann

The Orioles and Major League Baseball today announced that catcher JAMES McCANN has been named the Orioles’ 2024 nominee for the esteemed Roberto Clemente Award. The most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB, the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One, is the annual recognition of a Major League player from each club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, sportsmanship, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

The Orioles will join Major League Baseball in honoring the 23rd annual Roberto Clemente Day on Sunday, September 15, as they take on the Detroit Tigers at 12:05 p.m. ET at Comerica Park. This commemorative day was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially acknowledge local club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards, all players will wear a ‘21’ patch on their jersey, and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks. Once again this season, each team’s Clemente nominee will wear ”21” on their uniform, joining players and uniformed personnel from Puerto Rico, previous nominees, and those who have worn “21” on prior Roberto Clemente Days.

The Orioles will recognize McCann in a special on-field ceremony on Saturday, September 21.

Since joining the Orioles prior to the 2023 season, McCann has emerged as a cornerstone of community support in Baltimore, earning him a nomination for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. His unwavering dedication to community service is a family affair, with McCann, his wife Jessica, and their twin boys actively contributing to their communities year-round. This past offseason, the McCann family donated 50 pairs of shoes to Church of the City’s Wrap Around Closet in Nashville, Tenn. supporting children in foster care.

Earlier this season, the Orioles announced their adoption of Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, aiming to foster a lasting relationship and support students from pre-k all the way through their entry into the workforce. McCann eagerly embraced this partnership, actively engaging with Harlem Park students and staff at Friday home game batting practices, proudly donning a Harlem Park-branded t-shirt. His involvement extended to the classroom as well, where he visited PE classes to teach baseball skills and inspire students to pursue their dreams with perseverance. To further support Harlem Park, McCann and Jessica provided Harlem Park students with essential items such as backpacks, clothing, and shoes for the new school year, underscoring their dedication to fostering the growth and success of Baltimore’s youth.

Continue reading

Orioles, Vavra reach terms

Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster move: 

  • Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with INF/OF Terrin Vavra.

Orioles select Maton's contract, Bañuelos DFA

Generic-Gates

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contract of INF/OF Nick Maton from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Designated C David Bañuelos for assignment.

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

RHP Houser comes to Orioles on minor league deal

Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with RHP Adrian Houser.

Orioles agree to minor league contract with Nick Anderson

Nick Anderson Royals

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with RHP Nick Anderson.

Jorge Mateo has successful UCL reconstruction surgery

Jorge Mateo injured
Jorge Mateo had successful left elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with internal brace and flexor repair today. The surgery was performed by Dr. Keith Meister at Trinity Park Surgery Center in Arlington, Texas.

Tate DFA, Orioles claim OF Wall from Marlins

Generic-Gates

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Claimed OF Forrest Wall off waivers from the Miami Marlins and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Designated RHP Dillon Tate for assignment.

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

Ribalta recalled as Adon heads to IL

Generic-Baseballs-3

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Orlando Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester and placed right-handed pitcher Joan Adon on the 15-day Injured List (retroactive to Aug. 25) with a right shoulder biceps strain on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Ribalta, 26, went 5-2 with five saves, a 2.64 ERA and a .194 opponents’ batting average in 44 relief appearances between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester. He struck out 69 batters and allowed just four home runs in 47.2 innings between the two stops.

Ribalta joins the Nationals for the second time after making his Major League debut on Aug. 13 at Baltimore and appearing in the game on Aug. 15 at Philadelphia. He allowed three earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts and one walk in 2.0 innings between the two outings.

Selected out of Miami Dade Community College (Fla.) in the 12th round of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Ribalta is 13-7 with a 3.35 ERA in 127 career Minor League games. The native of Santa Clara, Cuba, has struck out 195 in 166.2 innings over five seasons. 

Adon, 26, has appeared in eight games (1 start) for Washington this season, posting a 6.75 ERA along the way.

Orioles announce plans for Fan Appreciation Weekend

image001

The Orioles today announced plans for Fan Appreciation Weekend, which will be held from Friday, September 20, through Sunday, September 22, when the Orioles host the Detroit Tigers for the final home series of the 2024 regular season. The weekend will feature exclusive giveaways and opportunities for fans to enjoy unforgettable experiences at Oriole Park. Fans can purchase tickets for the weekend series at Orioles.com/FanAppreciation.

On Friday evening, fans will be able to enjoy pregame music by DJ Chris Styles on the Legends Park Stage with a special appearance by the Camden Franks of the Berks Live Hot Dog Race, as part of a Hot Dog Disco. O’s alumni will be on Eutaw Street, near the New Era cap store, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to sign autographs for fans, free of cost. All fans can stay to enjoy postgame fireworks, presented by SeatGeek.

As a thank you to the best fans in baseball, the Orioles added a GUNNAR HENDERSON t-shirt giveaway on Saturday for the first 20,000 fans, 15 and over. Gates will open to fans two hours prior to the first pitch, as part of the year-long Early Bird Saturdays, presented by Coors Light. KleptoRadio, a local favorite party band, will perform for fans in Legends Park from 2-3:45 p.m. Fans can also enjoy special happy hour deals at Legends Park from 2-4 p.m., extended an additional hour for Fan Appreciation Weekend. Deals include select $5 16 oz. domestic beers as well as $2.50 soft pretzels and popcorn. Beginning when gates open and continuing through the end of the sixth inning, fans are invited to Legends Park to write notes to their favorite O’s players and coaches wishing them good luck as they make their push for the Postseason.

The Orioles will wrap up their regular season home season on Sunday when the first 20,000 fans, 15 and over, will receive an Orioles crewneck sweatshirt. DJ Maybach will be on stage at Legends Park playing kid-friendly music beginning when gates open. In the Bullpen Picnic Area, kids can enjoy activities including coloring and friendship bracelet making, and even make posters to cheer on their favorite Orioles. Mascots from the Orioles Minor League Affiliates will also be taking photos with fans between the second and fourth, free of cost. Following the game, kids ages 4 to 14 will have the opportunity to run the bases as part of Kids Run the Bases, presented by Weis Markets.

All weekend long, randomly selected fans will be invited to participate in pregame ceremonies, including delivering the game ball and throwing a ceremonial first pitch. The weekend will also feature the Berks Live Hot Dog Race during each game, and there will be various opportunities for fans to receive prizes and giveaways and celebrate Orioles baseball throughout the ballpark and on the Orioles social media accounts.

Continue reading

Orioles place Ryan Mountcastle on IL, recall Livan Soto

Ryan Mountcastle shoulder injury

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled INF Livan Soto from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Placed INF Ryan Mountcastle on the 10-day Injured List (left wrist sprain), retroactive to August 23.

Orioles release Nick Avila

Generic-Baseballs-3
The Orioles have released RHP Nick Avila.

Crews gets the call

Dylan Crews

Outfielder Dylan Crews, one of the top prospects in all of baseball, is set to make his Major League debut tonight against the New York Yankees, as the organization today announced the selection of his contract. In a corresponding move, Washington optioned catcher Riley Adams to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

The No. 3 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLBPipeline.com, Crews hit .270 with 21 doubles, six triples, 13 home runs, 68 RBI, 36 walks, 25 stolen bases and 60 runs scored in 100 games between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester this season. He ranks among Nationals full-season Minor Leaguers in extra-base hits (2nd, 40), triples (2nd, 6), slugging percentage (3rd , .451), OPS (3rd, .793), RBI (3rd, 68), doubles (T3rd, 21), home runs (4th, 13), average (4th, .270) and stolen bases (T4th, 25).

According to Baseball America, Crews is the No. 4 prospect in baseball, the “Best Defensive Outfielder” in the International League and the “Best Hitter for Average” in Washington’s Minor League system. He was promoted to Triple-A Rochester on June 18 represented the Nationals in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game in July.

The 22-year-old Crews joins the Nationals after hitting .309 (21-for-68) with a .385 on-base percentage (5 BB, 4 HBP) and a .529 slugging percentage (2B, 3B, 4 HR) in 16 games since Aug. 3. He reached base safely in all 16 games and has hit safely in 13 of the 16.

Crews made his professional debut in 2023, hitting .292 with nine doubles, five homers, 29 RBI, 14 walks, four stolen bases and 26 runs scored in 35 games between the FCL Nationals, Single-A Fredericksburg and Double-A Harrisburg. He was named Carolina League Player of the Week in his first week in the league after going 12-for-29 (.414) with two doubles, three home runs and 14 RBI in six games.

Continue reading

Orioles claim RHP Kriske from Reds, Vespi DFA

Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Claimed RHP Brooks Kriske off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Designated LHP Nick Vespi for assignment.

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

Millas recalled as Call goes on IL

Generic-Baseballs-3

The Washington Nationals recalled catcher Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester and placed outfielder Alex Call on the 10-day Injured List with a partial tear of the plantar fascia (left foot) on Saturday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Millas, 26, hit .311 with 13 doubles, three triples, a career-high nine home runs, 35 RBI, 18 walks, 10 stolen bases and 32 runs scored in 60 games for Triple-A Rochester this season. He is 11-for-23 (.478) with two doubles, a triple and a home run in his last five games.

This is Millas’ fourth Major League stint of 2024. He’s appeared in 11 games, going 5-for-30 (.167) with a double, homer, one RBI, two walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored in his second Major League season.

Call, 29, was hitting .343 with nine doubles, three homers, 14 RBI, 12 walks, five stolen bases and 15 runs scored in 30 games prior to suffering the injury on Friday night against Atlanta.

Please see the attached document for the updated 26-man roster.