The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled RHP Yennier Cano from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Placed RHP Félix Bautista on the 15-day Injured List with left knee discomfort, retroactive to October 1.

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. 

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:

• Recalled RHP Spenser Watkins from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Placed RHP Tyler Wells on the 15-day Injured List with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to September 20.

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.

ABERDEEN, Md. – In a must-win situation tonight to force a third and deciding game in the South Atlantic League championship series, the O’s High-A Aberdeen club got it done with big offense at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen never trailed, scoring once in the first, three in the second and five runs in the fourth on its way to a 13-6 win over Bowling Green. After the IronBirds lost the series opener 5-3 on the road Sunday, the SAL championship is now even at 1-1 and set for a Wednesday night Game 3 showdown in Aberdeen.

If the IronBirds win the title, it would be the first by an O’s affiliate since Double-A Bowie won the Eastern League in 2015.

Tonight, Aberdeen took a first-inning lead when Dylan Beavers walked, stole second and scored on Jud Fabian’s two-out single to left. In the last of the second, Aberdeen got a pair of singles with two outs and then Beavers hit his first homer at the High-A level. The No. 33 overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Orioles drilled a three-run shot to right for a 4-0 lead.

After Bowling Green scored twice in the third off right-hander Jean Pinto, Aberdeen took control of this game with five runs in the last of the fourth. Billy Cook’s two run single made it 6-2 and Heston Kjerstad tripled in two runs to right, and scored on the play himself on a throwing error for the 9-2 margin.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• LHP Alexander Wells has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

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.

The Washington Nationals are back in D.C. for a five-game homestand that opens with two games of the Beltway Series vs. the Baltimore Orioles, followed by a three-game set against the Miami Marlins. Single-game tickets start at just $9. Fans interested in purchasing tickets should visit nationals.com/Tickets.

The season’s 11th homestand features Hispanic Heritage and Roberto Clemente Day; kids Nationals Screech Handmade by Robots ™ Vinyl Figure giveaways; the season’s final Pups in the Park game; City Connect uniforms; Girl Scout Day; Value Day; Signature Sunday; Kids Run the Bases; and more.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 13 vs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES (7:05 PM)

·        Beltway Series presented by Inova

o   The Nationals will host their neighbors from the north as part of the annual Beltway Series presented by Inova when the Baltimore Orioles visit Nationals Park for a two-game set.

The Orioles today announced that the club will host the St. Louis Cardinals at Ed Smith Stadium for an additional Spring Training game on Monday, March 27, 2023.

For the complete 2023 Spring Training schedule, please visit Orioles.com/Spring. A printable schedule is also attached. Game times and report dates will be announced at a later date. To be among the first notified for 2023 ticket offers, fans should subscribe to the free Orioles Insider digital newsletter at Orioles.com/Newsletter.

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

• Selected the contract of catcher Israel Pineda from Triple-A Rochester
• Recalled right-handed pitcher Jordan Weems from Triple-A Rochester
• Placed catcher Keibert Ruiz on the 10-day Injured List with a testicular contusion
• Designated left-handed pitcher Jake McGee for assignment

Pineda, 22, hit .258 with 20 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 71 RBI, 36 walks, three stolen bases and 49 runs scored in 99 games between High-A Wilmington, Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester. He ranked among Nationals Minor Leaguers in RBI (2^nd, 71), home runs (5^th, 16), slugging percentage (5^th, .458), extra-base hits (6^th, 38) and OPS (8^th, .783) this season.

Washington’s No. 23 prospect by Baseball America and No. 26 per MLBPipeline.com, Pineda has recorded a .429 slugging percentage with 31 doubles, two triples and 30 home runs in 175 games since the start of the 2021 season.

Pineda signed with the Nationals on July 2, 2016 out of Maracay, Venezuela. With his debut, he will become the third member of Washington’s 2016 international class to appear in the Major Leagues, joining right-handed pitcher Joan Adon and infielder Luis García.

Weems, 29, returns for his third stint with the Nationals after tossing 10.0 scoreless innings and going 5-for-5 in save opportunities across his last eight games with Triple-A Rochester. He allowed just two hits (.067 opp. AVG) with 10 strikeouts and four walks over this stretch.

The Orioles and Major League Baseball today announced that DILLON TATE has been named the Orioles’ 2022 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One. The most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB, the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One, is the annual recognition of a 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 all of Major League Baseball in celebrating the 21^st annual Roberto Clemente Day, presented by Capital one, wearing jersey patches as they face the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre on Friday, September 16. The 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, presented by Capital One. 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 a ‘21’ patch on their jersey that indicates their nomination for the prestigious award.

As part of this nomination and in recognition of Tate’s exemplary commitment to serving his community, MLB will make a $7,500 donation to his foundation, Baseball Academia Corp. The Orioles Charitable Foundation will match the donation, for a total of $15,000 contributed. The Orioles will recognize Tate in a special on-field ceremony on Monday, September 19, as they host the Detroit Tigers at 7:05 p.m. at Camden Yards.

Tate exemplifies the spirit of Roberto Clemente. With his giving nature, kindhearted attitude, and passion for the community matched with his stellar performance on the field, he embodies what it means to be an Oriole.

While growing up in California, Tate frequently played at the MLB Urban Youth Academy, taking advantage of free resources to help sharpen his skills. It was here that he learned the significance that professional sports teams can have on the development of youth on and off the diamond. He carried that knowledge with him throughout his career and has recognized the importance of giving back.  

WHO: BRANDON HYDE, Orioles Manager;

           MIKE ELIAS, Orioles Executive Vice President & General Manager;

          JENNIFER GRONDAHL, Orioles Senior Vice President, Communications & Community Development;

           SELECT ORIOLES PLAYERS

WHAT: Members of the Orioles Orange & Black Gives Back employee volunteer program, as well as Manager Brandon Hyde, General Manager Mike Elias, and other representatives from the team will participate in a Habitat For Humanity build day on Friday, September 9. Projects will include painting, attaching siding, cleaning the build site, and more.

ST. LOUIS – The Nationals look to get back on the winning track tonight after seeing their three-game streak end Tuesday night in a pretty lackluster, 4-1 loss to the Cardinals. They’ll certainly need to hit more than that if they want to win this one, and they’ll have a few different names in the lineup as they attempt to do so.

Keibert Ruiz finally gets his long-awaited day off after starting five games in a row. That means Riley Adams is catching and batting eighth. CJ Abrams also gets the night off, somewhat surprisingly. That bumps Ildemaro Vargas to shortstop and opens up third base for César Hernández. (You’ll be pleased to know Nelson Cruz is still in there, batting cleanup.)

Cory Abbott makes this start as the sixth member of the rotation this turn around. It’s the right-hander’s fifth start and 11th overall pitching appearance this season, and he’s mostly given the Nationals a chance when he’s been out there. He’ll face a good test tonight in the Cardinals lineup.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 7:45 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Mostly clear, 78 degrees, wind 7 mph in from center field

NATIONALS
CF Lane Thomas
RF Joey Meneses
1B Luke Voit
DH Nelson Cruz
2B Luis García
3B Cesar Hernandez
SS Ildemaro Vargas
C Riley Adams
CF Victor Robles

In recognition of the 45^th anniversary of the celebratory day to honor the retirement of BROOKS ROBINSON in 1977, the Orioles will host ‘Thanks Brooks Day,’ on Saturday, September 24, as they face the Houston Astros at 7:05 p.m. Robinson will be in attendance for the game at Camden Yards, to participate in the festivities which include:

Gate Giveaway: The first 15,000 fans, 15 and over, will receive a poster print of Norman Rockwell’s ‘Gee, Thanks Brooks’ painting.

Pregame Ceremony: Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. as Robinson will greet fans throughout the ballpark as he is driven around the warning track, an ode to the ceremonial events of 1977.

In-Game Items: Throughout the game, lucky fans will have the chance to win posters autographed by Robinson himself, and the videoboards will show highlights of his illustrious career. Additional in-game elements will be announced at Orioles.com/ThanksBrooks.

In the Community: On behalf of ‘Thanks Brooks Day,’ the Orioles will host members of local community organizations, with donated tickets to thank them for their commitment to the Baltimore community.

The Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays open a huge three-day, four-game series this afternoon with a straight doubleheader at Camden Yards. Toronto (73-59) is in third-place in the American League East, six games out, and holds the third American League wild card by 2 1/2 games over the Orioles (71-62).

Toronto comes to town off a three-game sweep at Pittsburgh, where they won those games by a combined 12-4 score. Toronto has won five of six, 12 of 17 and 28 of its past 45 games.

The Blue Jays are 35-30 on the road, 27-24 versus AL East teams, 16-14 since Aug. 1 and 23-16 since the All-Star break.

The Orioles went 5-14 last year against Toronto, losing five series and tying one. This year they are 6-3 against the Blue Jays, winning two series and tying one. Baltimore pitching gave up 44 homers and had an 8.49 ERA and 1.750 WHIP over the 19 games of the 2021 season series, but the O’s staff has allowed 12 homers with a 5.01 ERA and 1.430 WHIP this season against the Blue Jays.

As a team last year, Toronto batters hit .313/.383/.582/.965 versus the O’s and averaged 8.05 runs per game. This season they are batting .294/.336/.459/.796 and have given up an average of 5.00 runs per game in the season series.