FORT MYERS, Fla. – John Means is getting back to baseball normal.

Means threw his first half-mound session yesterday morning in Sarasota, tossing 20 fastballs with no discomfort in his surgically repaired left elbow. He’ll do it again Wednesday and progress to a full mound Friday morning.

“Felt great, felt awesome,” Means said. “Kind of felt like a baseball player again yesterday. Got some dirt on my cleats, so it was great. Everything felt good.”

Means said he threw with 50 percent intensity and will gradually increase it.

“Just feeling the slope again,” he said.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Before Adley Rutschman crouched behind the plate today and set his first target for Grayson Rodriguez, he needed to give his friend an early lead.

Rutschman hit a long home run to left field, put his gear on and went to work - catching one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, guiding the right-hander through his first spring training start.

The stuff he really enjoys doing. A collaboration that Orioles fans have craved for years.

“Anytime you know he’s back there, you know it’s going to be a good game,” Rodriguez said. “I think he knows me better than myself. I’ve learned in the past not to shake him.”

Rodriguez said something later that should make the rest of the league quiver.

SARASOTA, Fla. – Bruce Zimmermann broke camp with the Orioles last spring and spent the offseason trying to repair himself.

The Baltimore native understood that he had to do a better job of separating the two-seam fastball from the four-seamer, which he introduced in 2022. It became an issue.

There was more work to be done.

Zimmermann also adjusted his slider grip, going back to the shape of it from a few years ago that was getting many more swings and misses.

Maintaining consistency in his delivery also became an issue for Zimmermann, who didn’t allow a run in his first two starts, held the Angels to two earned over six innings in Anaheim, and couldn’t sustain it. The Orioles optioned in June and he made only two more appearances in the majors, an inning of relief in July, and a Game 2 start in a September doubleheader.

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles are two days away from playing their first exhibition game and they’ve chosen left-hander Drew Rom to make the start.

Rom, 23, made a combined 26 appearances between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk and posted a 4.43 ERA and 1.475 WHIP with 144 strikeouts in 120 innings. He’s ticketed for the Tides after spring training but gets the assignment against the Twins in Sarasota.

Being the first starter in camp doesn’t provide a sneak preview of the team’s plans moving forward. Manager Brandon Hyde quipped, “not (Thomas) Eshelman” while announcing his choice.

“He’s a starting candidate and a guy, just kind of how things line up, honestly,” Hyde said.

“Some of the guys that were starters here last year will be a couple days after that. Drew’s going to get an opportunity to start our first Grapefruit League game.”

The Washington Nationals are back in West Palm Beach, Fla., for their seventh season of Spring Training at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The Nationals open their spring schedule this week against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, Feb. 25, in Jupiter, Fla., before returning to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches one day later to face the defending World Series champion Houston Astros in a split-squad matchup. Tickets for all games are available now at nationals.com/Spring.

Fans not making the trip to Florida can catch the action on TV and radio, as Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), 106.7 The Fan, The Team 980 and nationals.com combine to present 15 games from Florida. The Nationals’ Spring Training schedule features three games televised by MASN and a combined 14 radio broadcasts airing on 106.7 The Fan, The Team 980 or streaming on nationals.com. MASN and 106.7 The Fan will also carry the Nationals final tune-up before the regular season, an exhibition vs. the New York Yankees on Tuesday, March 28, at Nationals Park.

In addition to game programming, 106.7 The Fan will host four editions of “Nats Spring Training Live!” from E.R. Bradley’s Saloon located at 104 S Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach. The 60-minute talk shows hosted by Nationals radio voices Dave Jageler and Charlie Slowes are live Sundays, Feb. 26, March 5, March 12 and March 19, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. “Nats Spring Training Live!” programs are free to attend in-person and feature special guest appearances by Nationals players, coaches and personalities.

Nationals 2023 Spring Training Broadcast Schedule*

We are grateful for the generous outpouring of love and support we have received since the passing of Ted Lerner – husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and Nationals founding managing principal owner.

So much has been said about his accomplishments as a businessman and philanthropist. He, of course, would have been the first to acknowledge that none of it was achieved alone, and that is certainly true when it comes to the story of the Washington Nationals. It was a team effort to bring our national pastime back to the Nation’s capital; a team that consisted of City officials, business leaders and, most importantly, devoted fans from around the District, Maryland and Virginia.

We know he was grateful for all of the hard work that made it possible for him to realize a lifelong dream. Today we want to express our gratitude as well, for the support from so many, for the enthusiasm of Nationals fans, for the love and sympathy we have felt over the past number of days, and for the incomparable life lived by Ted Lerner.

The Family of Theodore N. Lerner

The Orioles today announced the return of the “Athletes & Artists Play for Kids” charity event, which will take place at Ed Smith Stadium from March 10-12. The event, which combines song and sport to support creativity and music and arts education will feature the return of “Nashville’s Music Row Comes to the Ballpark” VIP charity event, as well as two Orioles home games.

Proceeds from the weekend’s events will benefit the Orioles Charitable Foundation’s Music & Arts Education Scholarship, which was created in 2019 to support deserving students and programs in Baltimore, Sarasota, and Nashville. The beneficiary for the 2023 event is Intersection of Change’s Jubilee Arts Program in Baltimore. Jubilee Arts provides comprehensive arts programs to children and adults, using art as a catalyst for social change, a tool for empowerment, and an alternative to drugs and violence in the community. To date, the “Athletes & Artists” series has raised more than $400,000 for various charities.

This year’s weekend-long series of events will begin Friday, March 10, when the Orioles host the Minnesota Twins at 6:05 p.m. ET. Charitable donors will return to Ed Smith Stadium Saturday evening for the sixth “Athletes & Artists” VIP charity event. This one-of-a-kind, all-access event, hosted by event founder and singer-songwriter MARGARET VALENTINE, brings baseball groups and Nashville artists together in support of music education.

The event will celebrate current country, rock, and pop hits, featuring an all-star line-up including SiriusXM “Highway Find” and “CMT Next Women of County” KALIE SHORR, lead guitarist of Matchbox Twenty KYLE COOK, and New York City-based singer-songwriter QUEEN V, as well as other special guests. More information about each performer can be found at Orioles.com/AthletesAndArtists.

The annual “Athletes & Artists Play for Kids” weekend fundraiser began in 2015 with the first “Nashville Comes to the Ballpark” charity event and has steadily grown to include more programming, including in 2019 when the ballpark hosted an on-field concert by country music rising superstar and 11-time No. 1 singer-songwriter COLE SWINDELL, to support selected charitable efforts. The Orioles also welcomed Billboard chart-topping and Platinum-certified country artist RAELYNN in 2020. In 2019, proceeds from the mid-summer “Athletes & Artists Play for Kids” fundraiser, held the evening before the historic BILLY JOEL concert at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, were used to fund community grants from the Orioles Charitable Foundation to JUBILEE ARTS and BALTIMORE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS. Past beneficiaries include the MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE, SARASOTA YMCA, LIBRARY FOUNDATION FOR SARASOTA COUNTY, and GIRLS, INC.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Tanner Rainey knows the date. It was Aug. 3 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, saw his 2022 season come to an early conclusion and realized his 2023 season would be significantly delayed.

As much as he’s tried not to look at specific dates throughout the long rehab program, the Nationals reliever knows the two most significant mileposts. At the six-month mark, he was allowed to begin throwing again. At the 12-month mark, he hopes to be allowed to begin pitching in a big league game again.

“It’s been tough, I will say,” Rainey remarked of the mental challenge of returning from elbow ligament replacement surgery. “But at the same time, I know I have six more months now. I’m six months through. I’ve got six more months to continue to prepare, whether it’s physically or mentally, to be better than I was.”

Rainey entered the 2022 season as the Nationals’ closer, and things went swimmingly for a while. He didn’t give up a run in his first eight appearances, going 3-for-3 in save situations. And as late as July 1, he sported a 2.88 ERA, 30 strikeouts in 25 innings and 11 saves in 14 opportunities.

But then his elbow ligament gave out shortly before the All-Star break. And after consultations with doctors, it was determined he needed Tommy John surgery.

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles held a light workout this morning leading into Tuesday’s first full-squad gathering. No bullpen sessions or live batting practice. Mostly some conditioning and fielding drills, followed by an early exit from the complex.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Anthony Santander will get some work at first base after returning from the World Baseball Classic, though it isn’t a priority. Santander took ground balls before games last season.

“A little bit maybe toward the end, maybe when he comes back. Probably not too much early,” Hyde said.

“Definitely want to keep it an option for him when he comes back.”

The backup first baseman could be a joint effort, with Santander, catchers Adley Rutschman and James McCann, and perhaps infielder Terrin Vavra if he’s on the club.

The Orioles have agreed to terms on a 2023 minor league contract with INF Gilbert Lara.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Sixty-seven players (27 of those non-roster invitees) will participate in big league camp for the Nationals this spring, a list that includes a combination of familiar names of the past and newcomers looking to make a name for themselves for the first time.

With the first official workout of spring training underway this afternoon, the Nats announced their full list of non-roster invitees to major league camp. Among those here are 11 players who have been in the majors with the team before: pitchers Sean Doolittle, Andres Machado, Evan Lee, Jackson Tetreault, Francisco Perez, Alberto Baldonado and Tommy Romero; first baseman Matt Adams; infielder Lucius Fox; and outfielders Yadiel Hernández and Donovan Casey.

Doolittle, who returns on a minor league deal after missing the majority of 2022 with an elbow injury, and Adams, who is back with the club three years after winning a World Series ring, are familiar veterans hoping to force their way onto the Opening Day roster.

The others all were in the big leagues at some point in the last two seasons but were designated for assignment and dropped off the 40-man roster. They’ll now attempt to make it back, albeit as non-roster invitees.

The Nationals added several veterans this winter with major league experience on minor league contracts, headlined by pitchers Wily Peralta, Alex Colomé and Chad Kuhl; plus infielder Michael Chavis.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced additional North American dates on their 2023 international tour in 18 cities, with newly-added shows beginning at Chicago's Wrigley Field on August 9 and running through December 8 at San Francisco's Chase Center. Multiple nights have been scheduled for Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park (August 16 and 18), New Jersey's MetLife Stadium (August 30 and September 1), Toronto's Scotiabank Arena (November 14 and 16) and Los Angeles' Kia Forum (December 4 and 6). Tickets for the 22 added North American shows will go on sale over the course of the next two weeks, with the first onsale beginning this Friday February 19 at 10am local time (full details below). 

 “As a lifelong fan of Bruce Springsteen and of my hometown, it’s an honor to announce that on September 9, 2023, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will play their first ever outdoor stadium show in Baltimore at Oriole Park at Camden Yards,” said Orioles Chairman and CEO, John Angelos. 

The 2023 international tour began February 1 in Tampa, Florida with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band's first North American show in seven years. Opening night featured a high-energy 28-song set which included rocking fan favorites like "Born To Run," "Prove It All Night," and "Wrecking Ball," with The E Street Band effortlessly shifting to soul and R&B while complemented by a horn section and backing vocalists. Rolling Stone called the band's return "ecstatic and emotional," and SPIN added it was a "must-see." USA Today said they "rocked like their lives depended on it" and the Associated Press noted the "energy was as high as ever...every song seemed epic.”

For many cities, the tour will be using Verified Fan via Ticketmaster. Verified Fan requires pre-registration at https://verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/springsteen and is open through Sunday February 19 at 11:59pm ET. Verified Fan is intended to make it easier for fans to get tickets, and harder for resellers and bots.

For more information about Verified Fan visit: https://blog.ticketmaster.com/bruce-springsteen-e-street-band-2023/.

He is one of a host of Orioles' rotation candidates that number about 10 to 12 as spring training is set to begin, but right-hander Kyle Bradish may have a leg up on some of his competition. His strong finish to the 2022 season is one big reason for that.

On the year, over 23 games and 117 2/3 innings, he went 4-7 with a 4.90 ERA, allowing 119 hits with 46 walks and 111 strikeouts. He recorded a 1.402 WHIP with a 3.5 walk rate, 8.5 K rate and 1.3 homer rate. He had a 45.3 groundball rate and his Fielding Independent Pitching of 4.39 was an improvement on his overall ERA.

But late in the year he was throwing quite well. Over his last 13 games, after returning in late July from right shoulder inflammation, he went 3-3 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. In those games he allowed a batting average of .212 and .607 OPS.

But in his last eight games he really had a strong finishing kick, going 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA and he allowed just two homers over 45 2/3 innings. In those eight games, he recorded four quality starts, posted a 1.01 WHIP, allowing a .169 batting average and OPS of .500. All just about dominant numbers.

And those eight games were against in order Houston, Cleveland, Toronto, Boston, Toronto, Houston, Boston and the New York Yankees. In the two starts versus the eventual World Series winning Astros, he pitched a combined 16 2/3 scoreless innings allowing just four hits with two walks and 16 strikeouts.

On behalf of the Baltimore Orioles Partnership Group, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Ted Lerner on the loss of their patriarch.

Mr. Lerner was a successful businessman, developer, sports team steward, and a pillar in the world of Washington real estate.

My condolences are with the Nationals and the Lerner family.

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Washington Nationals Founding Principal Owner Ted Lerner, who was 97:

“Ted Lerner was a proud product of Washington, DC, an avid baseball fan, and an extraordinary American success story. In 2006, this onetime usher at Griffith Stadium took ownership in the nation’s capital and, in 2008, made Nationals Park a first-class destination. The Nationals’ era of winning baseball culminated in the 2019 World Series Championship, the first for baseball fans in the District since 1924. Most importantly, the Nationals have always remained loyal to Ted’s vision of unity, philanthropy and civic pride in Washington.

“I have great appreciation for Ted’s impact on his hometown and the game he loved. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Ted’s entire family, including Annette Lerner, Mark Lerner and Judy Lenkin Lerner, Marla Lerner Tanenbaum and Robert Tanenbaum, and Debra Lerner Cohen and Edward Cohen.”

It is with great sadness that the Washington Nationals today announce the passing of Founding Managing Principal Owner, Theodore N. Lerner.

Mr. Lerner is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Annette Morris Lerner; his children Mark D. Lerner (Judy) and Debra Lerner Cohen (Edward) of Washington, D.C., and Marla Lerner Tanenbaum (Robert) of Bethesda, Maryland; his nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

From his humble beginnings as an usher in Washington D.C.’s old Griffith Stadium, to the ushering in of a new era of championship baseball in his hometown, Mr. Lerner literally and figuratively built a legacy through his signature mix of tenacity and humility. Guided by love for his family and passion for his hometown, Mr. Lerner dedicated his life to the creation of a better city and a winning ball club.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Lerner was a graduate of the George Washington University and had a law degree from the George Washington University National Law Center. In 1952, he founded Lerner Enterprises, which went on to become one of the largest private real estate development companies in the D.C. area. Mr. Lerner was named Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals on May 3, 2006, and worked tirelessly from that day forward to build a world-class baseball team in his beloved Washington, D.C. He created the framework that brought the 2019 World Series to the nation’s capital, and the championship ball club he helped create stands as a reminder of the love he had for this great game and the passion he had for giving back to his hometown.

In addition to his many accomplishments in business and in sports, Mr. Lerner championed the creation of opportunities for all residents of the region and was instrumental in the foundation of the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which provides year-round programming and resources in one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. Mr. Lerner led by example through his family’s own private philanthropy and set the tone for the ball club’s company-wide culture of giving, which still extends into the clubhouse, front office and in the stands. He was honored with the Washington Nationals Philanthropies “Power of Baseball Award” in 2022 in recognition of the many ways he’s improved the city of Washington, D.C. and the lives of its residents. 

The Orioles are bringing back seven of their minor league managers in the same roles in 2023, but also replacing and relocating several coaches.

Buck Britton will begin his second season as manager at Triple-A Norfolk after top prospects Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson graduated to the majors last summer. Kyle Moore returns to Double-A Bowie, Roberto Mercado to High-A Aberdeen, Felipe Rojas Alou Jr. to Single-A Delmarva, Christian Frias to the Florida Complex League Orioles, and Chris Madera and Elbis Morel to the two Dominican Summer League entries.

Matt Packer shifts to complex coordinator of instruction after managing in the FCL last season. The Orioles are fielding one FCL team this year. They have a sufficient number of players, but only one game scheduled.

Among the new hires are Sherman Johnson as Bowie’s hitting coach and Austin Meine as Aberdeen pitching coach.

Johnson, who replaces Branden Becker, appeared in 10 game with the Angels in 2018 – going hitless in 11 plate appearances – and posted a .362 on-base percentage in nine minor league seasons that included stints in the Reds (2019) and Twins (2021) systems. He spent last year with independent Kane County.

The Orioles today announced the club’s minor league coaching staffs and player development assignments for the 2023 season. The coaching staffs of Triple-A Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, High-A Aberdeen, and Low-A Delmarva are listed below, along with the Florida Complex League and Dominican Summer League Orioles.

The Orioles return the following managers to their same posts from the 2022 season: BUCK BRITTON (Norfolk), KYLE MOORE (Bowie), ROBERTO MERCADO (Aberdeen), FELIPE ROJAS ALOU, JR. (Delmarva), CHRISTIAN FRIAS (FCL Orioles), and ELBIS MOREL and CHRIS MADERA (DSL Orioles).

Britton returns for his second season as Manager of the Tides. In his Triple-A managerial debut season last year, two No. 1 overall prospects – ADLEY RUTSCHMAN and GUNNAR HENDERSON – were promoted from the Tides to the Orioles to make their Major League debuts. In total, 35 players appeared on both the Tides’ and Orioles’ active rosters during the 2022 season. Britton will be joined once again by Pitching Coach JUSTIN RAMSEY, who enters his fifth season in the organization and second with Norfolk. Ramsey will continue to serve as Upper-Level Pitching Coordinator in addition to his position with the Tides. BRINK AMBLER joins Norfolk as the Tides’ Hitting Coach after serving in the same role with the Shorebirds in 2022. Fundamentals Coach RAMÓN SAMBO and Development Coach JOSHUA RODRIGUES each return in their roles, with Sambo entering his fourth season in Norfolk and 17^th in the Orioles’ system, and Rodrigues entering his second season in the organization. Athletic Trainer ALAN RAIL, ATC and Strength and Conditioning Coach JON MEDICI also return to Norfolk. GRIFFIN PYOTT, ATC has been named Assistant Athletic Trainer after serving in the same role with Delmarva in 2022, his first season in the organization. ADAM SEHLMEYER returns as Norfolk’s Clubhouse Manager.

Moore returns to Bowie for the second season and his sixth as a manager in Baltimore’s farm system. In Moore’s first season skippering the Baysox, Bowie went 68-70, including posting a 41-28 record in the second half. Pitching Coach FORREST HERRMANN makes the jump to Double-A for his second season in the organization, having most recently served in the same role with Aberdeen in 2022. SHERMAN JOHNSON makes his coaching debut as Bowie’s Hitting Coach. A former infielder, Johnson appeared in 10 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and played in parts of nine minor league seasons in the Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and Minnesota Twins organizations, as well as a stint with the independent league Kane County Cougars in 2022. He played two seasons at Florida State University. TIM DeJOHN returns for his second season as Fundamentals Coach with the Baysox. In addition to his role with Bowie, DeJohn has also been promoted to Minor League Infield Coordinator for all affiliate levels. Development Coach RYAN GOLL and Athletic Trainer ALLYSE KRAMER, ATC have been promoted from Aberdeen. Goll has also been promoted to Offseason Camp Coordinator. JON WEINBERG returns as Bowie’s Clubhouse Manager.

After making his professional coaching debut last year, Mercado returns as the Manager of the IronBirds. He led Aberdeen to a 78-54 record and a South Atlantic League championship appearance in his first season. Pitching Coach AUSTIN MEINE joins the Orioles from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he had served as Pitching Coordinator since 2021. Hitting Coach ZACH COLE enters his second season with the IronBirds and third in the organization. CHASE SEBBY, a former all-conference catcher at Ball State (IN), has been promoted to serve as Aberdeen’s Fundamentals Coach after joining the Orioles in 2022 as FCL Development Coach. BILLY FACTEAU will serve as Aberdeen’s Development Coach, a role he held with the Baysox last season. Athletic Trainer TORI ATENCIO, ATC joins the organization after serving as Athletic Trainer for the Pioneer League Billings Mustangs and as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Montana State University Billings. SAM SAUER will serve as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the IronBirds, moving up from the FCL. ROSS STOVALL returns as Aberdeen’s Clubhouse Manager.

The Orioles today announced that single game tickets for the 2023 season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, February 8, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET at Orioles.com/Tickets. Fans who subscribe to the free Orioles email newsletter will receive an invitation to participate in a pre-sale opportunity beginning on Monday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m. Fans can subscribe online at Orioles.com/Newsletter.

This year as part of the on sale, a limited number of tickets will be available to purchase for Opening Day on Thursday, April 6, when the Orioles host the New York Yankees at 3:05 p.m.

Birdland Reserved and Flex Members can guarantee access to the best inventory for Opening Day by calling the Orioles at 888-848-BIRD or purchasing through Orioles.com/Memberships.

Major League Baseball’s new balanced schedule will see all 30 teams play each other for at least one series during the season. For the complete schedule, visit Orioles.com/Schedule. A complete list of current 2023 promotions and special events can also be found online at Orioles.com/Promotions. Additional initiatives will be announced at a later date.