Bautista nearing first exhibition game, today's Orioles lineup (game canceled)

SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles closer Félix Bautista threw 25 pitches yesterday in his first live batting practice session. He’s going to do it again Wednesday or Thursday before likely making his Grapefruit League debut.

Bautista marked yesterday as another positive step because he finally got to face hitters for the first time since his elbow-reconstructive surgery in October 2023.

“It felt really good, I felt good,” he said via interpreter Brandon Quinones. “It feels like I continued where I last left off, so I’m really satisfied with how it went yesterday.”

The velocity in his bullpen sessions is topping in the mid-90s. Bautista routinely hit triple digits in the past.

“I do feel content with where I am right now,” he said, “and I know with the work that I’m putting in and the progression that I’ll continue going through, I know that I’ll get back to those previous forms.”

Tyler O’Neill makes his first exhibition appearance with the Orioles today if the weather allows it. He’s in right field and batting fourth. Cedric Mullins moves from second to third in the order.

Adley Rutschman also is making his 2025 spring debut, batting second and catching Dean Kremer. Ramón Urías is at third base, Ramón Laureano is in left and Jackson Holliday is playing second base.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Cedric Mullins CF
Tyler O’Neill RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Ramón Urías 3B
Ramón Laureano LF
Jackson Holliday 2B
Dylan Carlson DH

Dean Kremer RHP

The Orioles will play an extra exhibition game before Opening Day. They’ll face the Nationals on March 24 in D.C., with a starting time of 1:05 p.m.

The teams haven’t met to conclude an exhibition schedule since 2009.

The first regular season game for the Orioles is March 27 in Toronto.

Note: Today’s has been canceled due to rain, which means no makeup date.

Fans holding paid tickets purchased from the Ed Smith Stadium box office or Orioles.com may exchange them for any of the remaining 14 home spring training games. Fans who wish to exchange their tickets must email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their account number and preferred new date, and staff will find the closest seats possible to the original location subject to availability.