The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The 40-man roster remains at 40 players.
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The Orioles have made the following roster move:
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 Wednesday, October 5. The first game will begin at 12:35 p.m. ET, followed by game two approximately 30 minutes after the first game concludes. Gates will open to fans at 12:00 p.m.
Tickets for the October 5 game will be valid for both games of the doubleheader.
Tickets for tonight’s postponed game will not be valid for the October 5 doubleheader. Fans can exchange the value of their ticket toward Wednesday’s doubleheader or for any 2023 regular season April home game, excluding the Orioles home opener, after 2023 single game tickets have become available for purchase. For more information and updates about ticket options for games impacted by weather, please visit Orioles.com/Weather.
Complimentary tickets are non-exchangeable.
Fans who purchased tickets on StubHub for tonight’s game will need to contact StubHub regarding their policy for postponed events.
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The Orioles today announced that catcher ADLEY RUTSCHMAN has been voted the winner of the 2022 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award by members of the local media who cover the team on a regular basis. He will be recognized for his accomplishments in an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Rutschman becomes the third rookie to be named the winner of the award since its inception in 1954, joining right-handed pitchers GREGG OLSON in 1989 and RODRIGO LÓPEZ in 2002. He is just the third catcher to be named Most Valuable Oriole, along with GUS TRIANDOS in 1958 and CHRIS HOILES in 1993.
Rutschman enters play today slashing .254/.361/.448 (100-for-393) with 35 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 70 runs scored, 42 RBI, 63 walks, 176 total bases, and an .809 OPS in 111 games. His 35 doubles are the most by an Orioles rookie in a single season in franchise history (since 1954), surpassing the mark of 32 set by Orioles Legend and Hall of Famer CAL RIPKEN, JR. in 1982. Rutschman's 35 doubles are also the most in a single season by a primary O’s catcher, ahead of JAVY LÓPEZ with 33 in 2004. He is the second O's rookie with at least 10 home runs and 30 doubles in a season, along with Ripken. His 63 walks are currently the fourth-most by an Orioles rookie, trailing CURT BLEFARY (88, 1965), RON HANSEN (69, 1960), and JIM GENTILE (68, 1960); Blefary, Hansen, and Gentile each appeared in at least 138 games.
He leads the Orioles and Major League Baseball (MLB) rookies in FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) with 5.1, which ranks ninth among all American League (AL) hitters. That is currently the third-best fWAR by a rookie catcher in MLB history, trailing only Los Angeles-NL's Mike Piazza (7.4, 1993) and Boston's Carlton Fisk (6.6, 1972), and the second-best by an O's rookie in franchise history, trailing BOBBY GRICH (5.4, 1972). Rutschman also leads the Orioles in doubles and walks, ranks third in runs scored, fifth in extra-base hits (49), and sixth in total bases. Among Orioles batters with at least 400 plate appearances, he leads the team in on-base percentage and OPS and ranks second in slugging percentage.
Rutschman leads AL rookies in doubles, ranks second in walks, third in extra-base hits, fifth in runs scored, sixth in home runs, seventh in total bases, tied for seventh in hits, and eighth in RBI. Among AL rookies with at least 400 plate appearances, he ranks second in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS.
The Orioles today announced the winners of their player development and scouting awards for 2022, including infielder JORDAN WESTBURG as the club’s top minor league player and right-handed pitcher RYAN WATSON as the club’s top minor league pitcher. Aberdeen Manager ROBERTO MERCADO and Area Scout SCOTT WALTER will also be honored by the organization. The award winners will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, October 4, with awards presented by Director of Player Development MATT BLOOD, Director of Minor League Operations KENT QUALLS, and Director of Draft Operations BRAD CIOLEK.
Westburg, 23, slashed .265/.355/.496 (144-for-544) with 39 doubles, three triples, 27 homers, 96 runs scored, 106 RBI, 70 walks, and 12 stolen bases in 138 games between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. He led Orioles minor leaguers in doubles, extra-base hits (69), total bases (270), and RBI. He also finished second in the organization in hits and home runs. After being promoted to the Tides on June 6, he led the International League with 74 RBI, tied for the league lead with 25 doubles, while also ranking second in the IL with 46 extra-base hits, 184 total bases, and 64 runs scored through the end of the season. The former 2020 Compensation A pick out of Mississippi State University became the first O’s minor leaguer with 100+ RBI in a season since Jason Fransz drove in 111 for Single-A Delmarva in 2005. Westburg is ranked as the 77th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline and the 90th-best prospect by Baseball America.
Watson, 24, was 7-5 with one save and a 3.44 ERA (41 ER/107.1 IP), allowing 89 hits, 45 total runs, 16 home runs, nine hit batters, 29 walks, and 108 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .223 average (89-for-399) in 27 games (18 starts) between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. He allowed just two hits and three walks with 16 strikeouts across 13.0 scoreless innings in three games (one start) to begin the season for the Baysox and was named the Orioles Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April. The former free agent signee in a round-shortened draft in 2020 out of Auburn University finished fourth in the organization in innings pitched, and his ERA ranked second among Orioles minor leaguers with at least 80 innings pitched.
Mercado has been named the winner of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award, named for 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. Mercado enjoyed a successful introduction to professional ball after spending the previous 17 years coaching in the high school ranks in his home state of Connecticut, part of two winters in Australia and New Zealand (Goodwill Series), as well as seven summers in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He led the IronBirds to their first playoff appearance as a High-A club, and first overall since 2013, after winning the South Atlantic League North first half with a 43-23 record. The team finished with the second-best overall record in the league at 78-54. His Aberdeen club advanced to the SAL Championship Series before falling in a winner-take-all third game to the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Mercado was instrumental in creating a positive culture and learning environment for the many prospects he managed. Twenty-seven total players were promoted to Double-A Bowie under his watch and 19 of those made their Double-A debuts this season.
Walter was named the Jim Russo Scout of the Year Award, 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. Walter has been a key member of the Orioles’ scouting operations since the fall of 2010, patrolling a large portion of California that ranges from Los Angeles to Northern California and Northern Nevada. Some of his recent signees includes current Major Leaguer KYLE STOWERS (Stanford) and 2022 Compensation A selection DYLAN BEAVERS (California, Berkeley).
OCT. 3 VS. TOR AT 7:05 P.M.
IN THE COMMUNITY
The Orioles will host five-year-old Dayonnie and his family at batting practice, as well as provide them with game tickets. Dayonnie is currently undergoing cancer treatments.
PREGAME CEREMONY: Most Valuable Oriole Award Presentation
Prior to the game, the Orioles will recognize the Most Valuable Oriole, as voted on by members of the local media. The Most Valuable Oriole Award is named in honor of the late Lou Hatter, a former sportswriter for The Baltimore Sun, who covered the Orioles for 27 years.
The remnants of Hurricane Ian are forecasted to bring inclement weather to our region this weekend. As a result, the following scheduling changes have been made to our series vs. the Philadelphia Phillies:
The 7:05 PM game scheduled for Saturday, October 1 has been moved to 1:05 PM on Friday, September 30. All tickets for the 7:05 PM game on Saturday will be honored for the rescheduled game.
The 1:05 PM game on Saturday, October 1 will be played as originally scheduled.
Visit nationals.com/rain for ticket information.
We will continue to work closely with MLB as the weather situation unfolds. Please stay tuned to our social channels for the latest information.
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The Orioles and Medstar Health have teamed up to unveil a state-of-the-art pitching lab in Bel Air, Md. The pitching lab was created to provide a holistic approach to pitching mechanics and serve as an evaluation destination for Orioles pitchers at every level, as well as players of all ages in the Maryland community.
The new facility will feature a pitching tunnel that is outfitted with the best technology in the game and will primarily be used to determine potential injury risks, sharpen pitching techniques, and improve pitching efficiency. Biomechanic specialists will work to create customized programs for each player based on advanced technology, analytics, and expert evaluation. Combining science, medicine, and analytics, the Orioles will rely on medical professionals from MedStar Health to be a part of the comprehensive experience and an added layer of connection to the many tools and resources available for the highest level of competitors in professional baseball.
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The Washington Nationals return to D.C. for their final homestand of the 2022 season. The Nationals will face off against two N.L. East foes during the seven-game stretch, beginning with three games against the Atlanta Braves followed by four vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. Single-game tickets start at just $9. Fans interested in purchasing tickets should visit nationals.com/Tickets.
The season’s 12th and final homestand features Teddy’s Garage Sale; Italian Heritage Night; Northern Virginia Community College Day; U.S. Air Force Day; George Mason University Day; Nationals hoodie and beanie giveaways; City Connect uniforms; Signature Sunday; the Battle of the Bases Championship; and more.
As a reminder, if you would like to cover any events at Nationals Park, please contact Valerie Todryk Krebs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Devon Bridges at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for credentialing information.
MONDAY, SEPT. 26 vs. ATLANTA BRAVES (7:05 PM)
The Orioles have made the following roster moves:
The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy this month begins its fall season of YBA PLAY grassroots clinics, featuring Nike as the presenting sponsor. In its sixth full year of programming, YBA PLAY delivers fun and free instructional clinics to kids, ages 6 to 12 in underserved communities, giving them the chance to learn and love the game of baseball with year-round clinics and summer league teams. Nike, the Official Uniform and Footwear Supplier of Major League Baseball, serves as the first-ever presenting sponsor of YBA PLAY by providing direct financial support for program operations and equipment along with apparel for summer league uniforms.
“Consistent access to sports is critical to youth development, providing personal growth opportunities and positive life outcomes for kids,” said Nick Sussman, Director of Sports Programs at Nationals Academy. “YBA PLAY makes baseball fun for children in Wards 7 and 8, giving them the tools to succeed on the field, while keeping it easy for them to come back to the sport. Support from Nike underscores just how important grassroots sports are for growing the game and helping our communities.”
Nationals Academy uniquely offers continual development with YBA PLAY as its introductory program for beginners that serves as a funnel to a competitive baseball and softball program, HUSTLE. Academy staff intentionally designed the YBA PLAY program to address barriers to access in youth sports.
Fun, Free, and Easy
In underserved neighborhoods with higher than average poverty rates, like D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8, a high-quality youth sports experience requires resources unavailable to some families. Modified rules that promote playing time and rewards for effort, not outcomes, provide a fun and engaging environment. By making the program free, covering the cost of facilities, equipment, and well-trained coaches, the Academy removes barriers to participation for children living at or below the poverty line. Offering clinics at safe, neighborhood facilities with appropriate space for baseball activity makes access easy for local residents.
Washington, D.C. – Washington Nationals Philanthropies today announced that pitcher Josiah Gray has been named the official Player Ambassador to the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. In this role, Gray acts as the direct link between the club and the Academy, serving as a resource to the school-aged children who participate in its programming. Gray follows in the tradition of former Player Ambassadors Josh Bell, Anthony Rendon and Ian Desmond, who first envisioned the role when the Academy opened its doors in 2014.
“The game brings us all together, so being involved in the D.C. community is really special,” Gray said. “I’ve made a few visits to the Academy so far, and I love the energy the kids bring and the support and the program that they have over there. It’s a really good opportunity to be able to give back to these kids, have some fun with them and grow the game of baseball.”
Since joining the Nationals partway through the 2021 season, Gray has been active in the club’s community projects, including visits to the Academy and at MLB’s annual Play Ball program in June of this year. Gray also designed a clothing collection with lifestyle brand Leovici with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Academy, helping to grow the game of baseball by minimizing barriers to participation.
“Josiah has already made a substantial impact on the field and in the community, and we are thrilled that he’s agreed to be the Academy’s next Player Ambassador,” said Tal Alter, Chief Executive Officer of Nationals Philanthropies. “In just over a year with our ball club, he’s proven that he is passionate about giving back and uplifting the next generation of baseball and softball players.”
The signature program of Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the Academy has served more than 4,600 participants through its state-of-the-art, nine-acre education and recreation campus in Ward 7’s Fort Dupont Park neighborhood. The facility plays host to programs for school-aged children in the adjacent neighborhoods, including afterschool enrichment, introductory youth baseball clinics, and competitive travel-style baseball and softball teams. As the official non-profit arm of the ball club, Nationals Philanthropies relies on donations from individuals, foundations and corporations to fuel its community programs.
The Orioles have made the following roster move:
SEPT 19 vs. DET 7:05 P.M.
PREGAME CEREMONY: 2022 Roberto Clemente Award Nominee, Dillon Tate
The Orioles will honor TATE, their 2022 Roberto Clemente Award Nominee, in a
special pregame ceremony. The prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by
Capital One is presented annually to the player who best represents the game of
baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy,
and positive contributions – both on and off the field. Earlier this year, Tate
launched his foundation, Baseball Academia, where he aims to teach children and
young athletes lessons on personal development and how to improve their skills
on and off the field. Through his foundation, he has hosted nearly 150 athletes at
the ballpark throughout the 2022 season. As part of the donation, MLB made a
$7,500 donation to Baseball Acdemia, which the Orioles Charitable Foundation matched for a total of $15,000. From now until the conclusion of the regular season on Wednesday, October 5, fans can vote for the overall winner of the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One at MLB.com/ Clemente21.
LOU GEHRIG SUMMER SLUGGER CHALLENGE WINNER: Emily Short
SHORT, an eighth grader at Dover Area Middle School in Pa., will be honored at the game as the winner of the Lou Gehrig Summer Slugger Challenge, held earlier this year. As part of the Lou Gehrig Summer Slugger Challenge, students were tasked with writing an essay on why they consider themselves to be the luckiest person alive.
NATIONAL ANTHEM: Abby Braswell
BRASWELL will perform her rendition of the national anthem from behind home plate prior to the game.
PENNINGTON FIELD DESIGN CONTEST
The Washington Nationals celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) at the ballpark and across media platforms, highlighting the cultures and traditions of the club’s Spanish-speaking fans and players alike. On Friday, Sept. 16 (7:05 PM vs. Miami), the Nationals honor the legendary Roberto Clemente as part of Major League Baseball’s league-wide recognition, and host Hispanic Heritage Night at Nationals Park.
Fans who purchase a special ticket to Friday’s Hispanic Heritage Day game will receive a limited-edition t-shirt showcasing Washington D.C.’s vibrant and diverse Hispanic culture. Prior to the game, the Nationals will recognize the home countries of the club’s Spanish-speaking players, and D.C. United defender Andy Najar, a native of Choluteca, Honduras, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Audacy Spanish-language music station 107.9 El Zol FM will also be at Nationals Park once gates open, giving away prizes while DJ Xplosive performs in Center Field Plaza.
This week, the Nationals and El Zol are rolling out a series of videos featuring some of the club’s Spanish-speaking players, including Victor Arano, Paolo Espino, Luis García, Yadiel Hernandez, Joey Meneses, Erasmo Ramírez, Victor Robles and Keibert Ruiz, talking about their home countries, traditions, foods and more. Created in partnership with El Zol and led by morning show hosts Patricia De Lima and Chepe, the pieces will run in Nationals Park prior to Friday’s game, on air during El Zol’s morning shows and will be posted to Nationals and El Zol social accounts throughout the week. Visit nationals.com/HispanicHeritage to see new videos as they are posted.
Manager Davey Martinez helped kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with the season’s final edition of Davey’s Dugout on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Davey’s Dugout is a monthly series in which Martinez extends special invitations to and meets with families and individuals of Hispanic heritage from the D.C. area.
For more information and to purchase special tickets for Hispanic Heritage Day, visit nationals.com/HispanicHeritage.
