TORONTO – Jorge Mateo had a locker set up this morning in the visiting clubhouse at Rogers Centre that belonged to Livan Soto for yesterday’s workout. The media saw Mateo as he walked into the room before the Orioles headed onto the field for stretching and batting practice.

His arrival in Toronto was confirmed. And he wasn’t here just to visit teammates.

Mateo made the Opening Day roster. He overcame elbow surgery and odds that didn't favor him.

“At the beginning of camp I thought it was doubtful, just because he hadn’t done a whole lot and there was still some rehab left to accomplish,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We got him a lot of at-bats over the last seven-to-10 days, and he played a lot of shortstop, played a lot of second base, stuff people couldn’t see. There was a lot of back field. We had a lot of arms throw to him and Gunnar (Henderson) just to get those guys a lot of at-bats.

“I thought it was getting closer to being an option of him breaking with us a few days ago, and then the last few days he had good at-bats, he played a lot defensively, he recovered really, really well, so we made the decision to have him start with us.”

TORONTO – Jorge Mateo flew into Toronto last night and is on the Opening Day roster after collecting a sufficient number of at-bats down in Sarasota.

Livan Soto worked out yesterday, but he didn’t make the final cut. The Orioles reassigned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

Reliever Bryan Baker is on the roster. Matt Bowman cleared waivers and was outrighted to Norfolk. Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment.

Here’s the roster:

Starters
Zach Eflin
Charlie Morton
Dean Kremer
Tomoyuki Sugano
Cade Povich

he Orioles today announced the club’s 2025 Opening Day roster. The 26-man roster includes:

Happy Hollidays everyone! The day is finally here: the start of Major League Baseball’s regular season. 

The O’s open up their new campaign north of the border in Toronto. With consecutive playoff appearances but no October victories to show for it, Baltimore has something to prove. 

An energy and hunger was palpable at spring training. The locker room is eager to compete for an AL East crown and find more postseason success. 

Who will lead the team in home runs? Who will be the breakout star? Who will have the best facial hair? A new season means new predictions; dart throws that certainly won’t be held against us at a later time. 

Yesterday on “The Bird’s Nest,” Annie Klaff and I handed out some superlatives. I’ve provided my predictions below, but for Annie’s picks and more in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the full episode here: https://masn.me/qt7qjk0i

TORONTO – The games start counting today. And not a moment too soon.

No more exhibitions, reentries and extras from minor league camp. The rules aren’t bent. Statistical declines aren’t excused because it’s spring training.

Let’s get serious.

The Orioles will try to finish above .500 for a fourth consecutive year, their longest streak since 1968-1985. They will try to make the playoffs in three straight seasons for the first time since 1969-71.

It begins with their leadoff hitter, probably Colton Cowser, stepping into the box against Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos in the top of the first inning at Rogers Centre. Zach Eflin starts for the Orioles, reliving his Opening Day matchup with Berríos last year at Tropicana Field.

TORONTO – Orioles reliever Bryan Baker hasn’t been told anything.

Infielder Livan Soto hasn’t been told anything.

They have lockers in the visiting clubhouse at Rogers Center and they participated in this afternoon’s workout. However, they didn’t receive confirmations that they’re on the Opening Day roster. Those conversations are on hold.

The assumptions are understandable, of course.

Matt Bowman and Roansy Contreras, the in-house competitors with Baker for the last bullpen spot, didn’t have lockers and they weren’t seen in the clubhouse or on the field.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Rule 5 Draft selection RHP Juan Nuñez has cleared waivers and been returned from the San Diego Padres. He has been assigned to minor league camp.

The renovations are completed on the left field wall at Camden Yards. It’s moved closer to home plate and lowered, a “happier medium,” as executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said in November. Mr. Splash was given a platform and more space to spray fans in sections 84 and 86, with the drenching distance extended from last season.

Fans also will notice a long platform to the left that serves as a viewing area for kids ages 12 and younger to be escorted and get a closer view of the action. They must be seated in sections 78, 80 and 82 to be eligible.

“We’re excited about the home run porch,” said president of baseball operations Catie Griggs. “We think it’s a really unique opportunity to welcome kids 12 and under closer to the field, escorted by parents, where they can have the opportunity to really feel part of the game in a way that’s pretty unique to this ballpark. Between that and Mr. Splash, we know that was a section that was sold out almost every single game last year. We want to make sure that we create experiences that are accessible to more people.”

The Orioles invited media to Camden Yards this morning to check out the newest additions to the ballpark, starting with an improved sound system that blared “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” – the long-time, seventh-inning stretch song in Baltimore. Further upgrades will be made for the 2026 season.

The old sound and control systems were “fairly antiquated,” Griggs said, and recent changes have enabled the Orioles to create much sharper audio "not only for music on the field, which our players are pretty excited about, but also throughout the ballpark."

The Orioles today announced new features at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the 2025 season. Fans will be able to enjoy new food items, an expanded Bird Bath Splash Zone, unique brands at the Orioles Team Store, and a variety of ticket options for fans of all ages. Highlights include:

2025 MENU FROM BRICK & WHISTLE FOOD CO.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards features a wide selection of food and beverage offerings crafted by Brick & Whistle Food Co. around what fans enjoy most. From fresh value on the brand-new Birdland Value Menu to signature dishes showcasing iconic tastes of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay and a stacked roster of local restaurants and purveyors, there’s something for all appetites. Highlights include:

• Birdland Value Menu – Announced earlier this year, this affordable food and beverage menu features 12 items, with 11 priced at $5 or less, including adult beverages. Fans can find Birdland Value Menu items at various locations throughout Oriole Park, including along the main concourse and in the upper deck. For specific Birdland Value Menu locations throughout the ballpark, visit Orioles.com/ValueMenu. The full menu includes:
• All Beef Hot Dog – $4
• Pretzel Bites with Cheese – $4           
• Cinnamon Pretzel Bites with Cream Cheese Icing – $4
• Nachos with Cheese – $4
• Popcorn – $3.50
• Peanuts – $2.50
• Packaged Dessert – $3
• Refillable Soda Cup – $4
• Bottled Water – $4
• Select 12 oz. Domestic Beers – $5
• 12 oz. Hard Seltzer – $6
• 12 oz. Non-Alcoholic Beer – $5

• Camden Yards Signature Dishes – Brick & Whistle Food Co. chefs have crafted a mouthwatering menu of new specialty offerings you can only find at Oriole Park. This season’s signature dishes showcase local ingredients and elevated, yet approachable ballpark fare:
• The Warehouse Burger – Brick & Whistle’s signature blend double-cheeseburger topped with queso fundido, fried onions, homemade pickle de gallo, and Whistle Sauce, served on a pretzel bun. Located at Bleacher Grill at Section 90.
• The Chessie – Footlong Chesapeake-spiced sausage smothered in a creamy crab dip, pickled sweet corn, and fried green tomatoes, served on a pretzel bun. Located at Baltimore Seafood House at Section 5.
• The Sub-Marine – Crispy beer-battered locally-caught fish topped with creole mustard tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles, served on a hoagie roll. Located at Baltimore Seafood House at Section 5.

• Local Restaurants and Purveyors – More than a dozen favorite establishments from across Baltimore and Maryland will serve fans at Oriole Park this season, including several new additions and returning partners. Additionally, Camden Commons will feature rotating appearances from nine local restaurants throughout the season. 
• Ekiben – New this season, featuring its popular buns, including The Neighborhood Bird Bun and Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bun, Tofu Bun, Crispy Tofu Nuggets, and Ramen Broccoli. Moving to a new concession stand located near Section 49.
• Attman’s Deli – Serving its famous deli sandwiches at a full stand this season. The menu includes Hot Corned Beef, Pastrami, Oven-Roasted Turkey, and the popular Cloak & Dagger. Located near Section 53.
• The Nutty Pitch – New this season, serving fresh-glazed and roasted pecans, almonds, and peanuts, as well as churros. Located near Section 71.
• Pat & Stugg’s – A collaboration between the popular Baltimore-owned hot dog shop, Stuggy’s, and Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Pat & Stugg’s will serve shaved ribeye cheesesteaks, cheeseburgers, double bacon cheeseburgers, and shaved ribeye dogs. Moving to a new concession stand near Section 72.    
• Pat LaFrieda’s – Meats from Pat LaFrieda will also be available at various locations around the ballpark, including The Butchery on Eutaw Street, and at stands on the Club Level near Section 228 and the Upper Deck near Section 334.
• Stuggy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs – Founded in Baltimore in 2010, Stuggy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs made its Oriole Park debut in 2012. Located near Section 71.   
• Vida Taco – A local farm to taco establishment, fans can once again get Vida Taco at the ballpark. The popular taco stand is located near Section 31 and on Eutaw Street.    
• Boog’s BBQ – The Boog’s BBQ famed rolling smoke will return again. A fan-favorite, the low-roasted beef top round rubbed with Boog’s famous spice blend, smoked in-house to a perfect medium rare, and served atop a corn-dusted Kaiser roll will once again be available at the Boog’s BBQ stand located on Eutaw Street. 
• 7^th Inning Sorbet – Manufactured in Baltimore, the sorbet is a staple in the city and is available for purchase at Oriole Park. Members of Citywide Youth Development will sell the sorbet after completing the organization’s eight-week training program, teaching them how to create and distribute the frozen desert.  
• Factoria Maria Pupuseria – A Salvadoran staple, Maria’s will serve pupusas, quesadillas, and chorizo dogs. Located near Section 46.
• Deddle’s Mini Donuts – The locally-owned food truck and donut shop, which specializes in made-to-order mini donuts, will be available at all Saturday and Sunday home games. Located near Section 68.
• The Local Fry – Fans can purchase four types of gourmet fries at Local Fry stands throughout the ballpark, as well as boneless chicken wings, chicken tenders, and a TLC chicken sandwich at their upper deck location. Located near Sections 27 and 368.   
• Rita’s Italian Ice – Serving its cool, smooth, delightfully happy treats near Sections 10 and 83.
• Squire’s Pizza – Founded in Baltimore in 1920, Squire’s will offer 9-inch personal pepperoni and cheese pizzas near Sections 11, 53, 83, 316, and 360, as well as individual slices on the Club Level. 
• Encore Sausage – Located in Landover, Md., and serving the area since the early 1960’s, fans can now enjoy their Italian sausage, Chesapeake sausage, and bratwurst at ballpark locations near Sections 67 and 334.
• Turkey Hill – Lancaster County, Pa., and regional ice cream favorite Turkey Hill will offer soft serve at locations near Sections 17, 62, 80, 230, 318, and 334, hand-dipped ice cream near Section 230, and pints at Birdland Market locations.
• Camden Commons – Created by Brick & Whistle Food Co. to spotlight local businesses, Camden Commons returns this season. Nine local restaurants will make rotating appearances throughout the season showcasing a variety of cuisines. Several Camden Commons participants from previous seasons now have season-long residences at Camden Yards, including, Attman’s Deli, and The Local Fry. Located by Section 71.
  
• Camden Kitchen Academy – The Baltimore Orioles and Brick & Whistle Food Co. created the Camden Kitchen Academy ahead of the 2024 season as a career readiness training program for those in the Baltimore area interested in pursuing culinary employment. The six-week program provides a select group of participants with instruction, mentorship, and real-world experience. Students learn foundational cooking skills and gain direct exposure to all the work that goes into executing elevated gameday hospitality in the ballpark’s signature dining destinations. Several academy graduates have proudly continued their careers by joining Brick & Whistle full-time at Camden Yards, with others securing positions in nearby Baltimore kitchens.

TICKET OFFERS

The Orioles offer a wide array of ticket deals for fans of all ages to enjoy the magic of Orioles baseball. Returning for this season, some of the options include:  

Cade Povich looked sharp yesterday. 

No hits, no walks and no earned runs at Nationals Park for the final exhibition game of the season. 

“Really good. Wanted to get the guys in, get them out quickly and get to Toronto,” Povich said with a laugh. “Everything felt good.”

The goose eggs on the box score would’ve looked better if there was a box score. The rain in the nation’s capital didn’t let the Orioles and Nationals take the field for their final tune-up of spring training. There wasn’t a game, but Povich did look sharp. 

His outfit did, at least.

The Orioles are chipping away at their camp roster. They've gotten it down to 36 players.

Veteran starter Kyle Gibson was optioned today to minor league camp after the Orioles signed him last week to a one-year deal. He was staying back in Sarasota, and manager Brandon Hyde told the media in D.C. that the ramp-up hopefully will have Gibson ready around May 1.

Catcher Maverick Handley and infielders Vimael Machín, Emmanuel Rivera and Luis Vázquez were reassigned to minor league camp.

None of these moves are unexpected. The Orioles are set behind the plate with Adley Rutschman and Gary Sánchez, who stayed healthy through camp. Livan Soto appeared to have an edge in the battle to replace injured shortstop Gunnar Henderson unless Jorge Mateo is deemed ready to play on Opening Day.

Mateo remains in Sarasota and is receiving heavy doses of at-bats over the next two days before a decision is made on his availability. He could join the team in Toronto or remain at the complex.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Optioned RHP Kyle Gibson to minor league camp.
• Reassigned C Maverick Handley, INF Vimael Machín, INF Emmanuel Rivera, and INF Luis Vázquez to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 36 players (33+1 NRI+2 IL).

WASHINGTON – As it turns out, the window of opportunity wasn’t just ajar for Cade Povich. It was open, and “Slim” took full advantage. 

Povich won the fifth spot in the rotation and earned the right to hit the hill for Baltimore’s home opener. A big step up for the lefty, who began last season at Triple-A Norfolk. 

“First Opening Day roster, being able to start, make a home opener start, that’s a big deal,” manager Brandon Hyde said today in D.C.. “I think Cade’s got a great way about him. He’s very, very mild mannered, he’s very composed. I was really impressed with his maturity last year and how much he grew up, honestly.”

That growth was on full display during Povich’s final month of the season. 

He flipped a switch in his five starts in September. After an 11.81 ERA in July and a 7.36 in August, that number plummeted to a 2.60 to close the baseball calendar. 

The Orioles finally can close out their exhibition schedule today and prepare for Thursday’s opener in Toronto. The fake games will be over.

Left-hander Cade Povich makes the start against the Nationals in D.C., a tune-up before he takes the ball for the first home game on March 31. Povich has pitched four times and the only runs allowed were the five that the Blue Jays put on the board in the fifth inning on March 13.

Povich followed up with five hitless innings in Tuesday’s rematch, putting him ahead of Albert Suárez for the fifth starter’s job. Suárez moves to the bullpen.

Colton Cowser bats leadoff today and plays left field. Jackson Holliday is the shortstop.

A lineup filled with regulars also includes Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Jordan Westburg at second base, Ryan Mountcastle at first base and Cedric Mullins in center field.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Selected the contract of RHP Matt Bowman.
• Placed RHP Tyler Wells (right elbow UCL surgery) on the 60-day Injured List.

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

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Optioned OF Dylan Carlson to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 41 players (34+6 NRI+1 IL).

Jordan Lyles did exactly what the Orioles needed him to do in 2022. 

Lyles was an innings eater. He posted every fifth day, making 32 starts and tossing 179.0 innings, averaging close to six innings per outing. The 31-year-old was the only member of Baltimore’s pitching staff to make at least 25 starts, and provided incredibly valuable stability at the top of the rotation. 

Baltimore won 83 games that year, a shocking 31-win improvement from the previous season. Lyles’ consistency and veteran presence played a big part in that turnaround. 

In 2023, Kyle Gibson was tasked with much of the same. Post every fifth day, eat innings and give the bullpen some breathing room. He delivered exactly that. 

Gibson was tied for the American League lead in starts with 33 and tossed 192.0 innings, 12th most in the bigs. He completed five innings of work in 28 of his 33 outings. 

BRADENTON, Fla. – Riley Cooper had no idea.

A combined no-hitter was brewing today and it rested in Cooper’s left hand as the Orioles reliever selected for the bottom of the ninth inning.

A 13^th-round draft pick out of LSU in 2023. A low A-ball pitcher with 24 games of professional experience.

The pressure he felt also was surprisingly low.

“Pitching’s pitching,” he said, “so I just went in there and did my thing.”

BRADENTON, Fla. – Zach Eflin was happy with his final exhibition start, but he didn’t smile during today’s media scrum until asked about Kyle Gibson.

They were teammates with the Phillies in 2021-22 and are reunited in spring training after the Orioles signed Gibson last night to a one-year deal.

“I was thrilled, absolutely thrilled,” Eflin said. “I think everybody in the clubhouse is thrilled. Everybody knows that Kyle Gibson is one of the best people on planet earth, so to be able to have him be a part of this team again is huge. Everybody’s looking forward to it.

“He’s such a role model, mentor in every single aspect of his life. He did great things with this team a couple years ago and I’m excited to be a part of it with him.”

The Orioles will break out one of the oldest rotations in baseball after Gibson completes his spring training.

BRADENTON, Fla. – A running joke developed between veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson and his agent as the winter months passed without a new contract. Free agency was dragging like an infield mat. It’s better to laugh about the situation than to stress.

“The next guy that would sign,” Gibson said this morning, “I’d be like, ‘OK, well, I’ve got to be next.’”

He said it over and over.

Gibson officially came off the board last night by passing his physical with the Orioles and signing a $5.25 million contract with incentives. He’s back with the team that named him the Opening Day starter in 2023, won 101 games and a division title and lauded his performance and leadership – long after he left.

“Everyone that I’ve talked to, I mean, guys were talking about Kyle to me when I first got here,” said Charlie Morton, who signed for $15 million on Jan. 3. “They were like, ‘Oh yeah, Kyle was this guy in the clubhouse. Gibby was one of the best guys I’ve been around. A great teammate.’ And so to see that he’s re-signed here, like those are the kind of guys ...