Information on Orioles spring training report dates (and O'Hearn update)

Major League Baseball announced this afternoon that Orioles pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Sarasota on Feb. 15, with the first workout held the following day.

Position players are due on Feb. 20. The first full-squad workout will begin the morning of the 21^st.

The first exhibition game is Feb. 25 against the Twins at Ed Smith Stadium. The Orioles finish with a March 27 home game against the Cardinals, a late addition to the schedule.

The Orioles will face nine different opponents, with 11 of 31 games against American League East rivals.

Six games will be played against the Pirates, three in Sarasota and three in Bradenton. The Orioles also will host the Braves, Tigers, Phillies and Twins.

The team’s 15-game road schedule also features two versus the Blue Jays, Phillies, Tigers and Twins, and one against the Braves, Rays, Red Sox and Yankees.

The 2023 season marks the Orioles’ 14^th spring training in Sarasota and the 13^th at the renovated ballpark.

It also marks a return to baseball normalcy following the abbreviated camp in 2020 due to COVID-19 and its influences on 2021, and the lockout that delayed and shortened 2022 spring training.

Note: First baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles designated O'Hearn for assignment on Jan. 5, two days after acquiring him from the Royals for cash considerations. They needed room for first baseman Lewin Díaz, who was claimed off waivers for a second time.

Díaz was designated for assignment again yesterday when the Orioles acquired reliever Darwinzon Hernandez from the Red Sox.

O'Hearn, who agreed to a $1.4 million contract with the Royals to avoid arbitration, can compete for a backup job in camp. Díaz might be able to do the same if he finally makes it through waivers.