Orioles' Eflin vs. Blue Jays' Berríos today to begin the 2025 season

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.

“I think the sky’s the limit, honestly,” said reliever Bryan Baker. “We’ve seen what we’re capable of the last couple years. I think it’s about just taking it a step further, for sure. But yeah, you can look around and see that the core we have here is unbelievable. And we’re still young.

“I think the experiences the last few years are gonna go a long way in terms of us taking that next step. I don’t think there’s any limits on what we can do.”

The Orioles must set their roster by noon, and confirmations and clues left us feeling more certain about the composition of it.

Starters
Zach Eflin
Charlie Morton
Dean Kremer
Tomoyuki Sugano
Cade Povich

Relievers
Félix Bautista
Yennier Cano
Seranthony Domínguez
Bryan Baker
Albert Suárez
Cionel Pérez
Gregory Soto
Keegan Akin

Catchers
Adley Rutschman
Gary Sánchez

Infielders
Ryan Mountcastle
Jordan Westburg
Jackson Holliday
Ryan O’Hearn
Ramón Urías
Livan Soto

Outfielders
Cedric Mullins
Colton Cowser
Tyler O’Neill
Heston Kjerstad
Ramón Laureano

Kjerstad worked out yesterday beneath the closed retractable roof. He’s made the club, as expected. Baker and Soto also appear to be on the roster barring a last-minute change.

Gunnar Henderson and Jorge Mateo stayed back and hit in Sarasota. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias already shared the team’s plans for Henderson, which didn’t include a flight into Canada. Mateo appeared in five games late in camp and went 1-for-11, played shortstop and second base, and insisted that his body felt good and he’d be ready.

Those extra at-bats at the Ed Smith Stadium complex must not have convinced the Orioles. We’ll find out more later today.

We found out last night that Kremer is the No. 3 starter and Sugano is No. 4. Everyone moved up a level behind Eflin after Grayson Rodriguez came down with an inflamed right triceps/elbow.

Eflin has registered a 5.72 ERA in nine career games against the Jays, and he’s allowed 14 earned runs (15 total) and 24 hits in 14 1/3 innings at Rogers Centre. Berríos is 10-1 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.080 WHIP in 16 starts against the Orioles.

Morton owns a 4.01 ERA in nine career starts against the Jays. He's made only two starts in Toronto despite entering his 18th season and has allowed two runs in 10 2/3 innings. Kremer has a 4.82 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) against the Jays, and he's surrendered 10 runs and 24 hits in 22 1/3 innings in Toronto.

Ryan Mountcastle is 2-for-22 with two home runs against Berrios, who seems to be the only Toronto pitcher capable of gaining any sort of advantage over him. Mountcastle is a career .311/.373/.589 hitter with 13 doubles, a triple, 18 home runs and 52 RBIs in 65 games against the Jays, and .303/.366/.596 with eight doubles, eight home runs and 26 RBIs in 29 games at Rogers Centre.

Adley Rutschman is the bigger headache for Berríos. He’s 13-for-22 with two doubles and three home runs. Ryan O’Hearn is 10-for-31with two doubles and two homers.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 7-for-19 with a double and two home runs against Eflin, and Alejandro Kirk is 6-for-14.  

On deck is the first of at least 162 games. The Orioles expect to play many more.

The first World Series title since 1983? Suárez doesn't hesitate when answering with a smile.

“Yes, no doubt," Suárez said. "I feel like since spring training, especially with the news guys we have, I feel like we can win a championship this year.”

 




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