News on Adam Jones, and notes on tonight's game

Adam Jones is retiring as an Oriole.

The team made the announcement this morning on a social media post, with the event planned for Sept. 15 prior to the 7:05 p.m. game against the Rays at Camden Yards.

Jones spent 11 of his 14 major league seasons with the Orioles, batting .279/.319/.459 with 305 doubles, 27 triples, 263 home runs, and 866 RBIs in 1,613 games. He was chosen to five All-Star teams and won four Gold Gloves and one Silver Slugger Award.

During his tenure in Baltimore, the Orioles ended a streak of 14 consecutive losing seasons and made the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

His leadership and impact on the community were much greater.

In May 2012, Jones signed a six-year, $85.5 million extension that was the largest contract in franchise history at that time.

The relationship fractured after Jones exercised his right to refuse a trade to the Phillies at the 2018 deadline, but he’s been more visible around the club this year, signing autographs in spring training, attending games at Camden Yards and serving as a guest splasher in the “Bird Bath.” He’ll eventually be inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame.

The Diamondbacks signed Jones as a free agent prior to the 2019 season, after he relinquished center field to Cedric Mullins, and he played in Japan in 2020-21.

The Orioles won the division in '14, clinching at home and celebrating on the field. Jones was the ringleader, as usual, jogging around the warning track while hoisting the American League East title flag and high-fiving and pieing fans.

Former executive Andy MacPhail orchestrated one of the finest trades in franchise history, acquiring Jones, starter Chris Tillman, reliever George Sherrill and two other pitchers from the Mariners on Feb. 8, 2008 for left-hander Erik Bedard.

Tillman was an All-Star in 2013 and was the Opening Day starter in three consecutive seasons. Sherrill was an All-Star closer in 2008.

Teammates stayed back in the dugout as Jones ran out to center field in his final home game on Sept. 30, 2018, letting him stand alone during a prolonged ovation from fans. Jones, who didn't realize what was happening until he reached second base and turned around, waved his cap and blew a bubble.

They get another opportunity to cheer him next month.

Meanwhile, the Orioles begin a three-game series tonight against the Rockies at Camden Yards. They lead the second-place Rays by two.

The Orioles are 27-14 in series openers. They haven’t been swept in 80 consecutive series.

Gunnar Henderson is batting .375/.405/.675 (15-for-40) with four doubles, one triple, two home runs and 10 RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.

Left-hander Cole Irvin is making his 11^th start and 19^th appearance with the Orioles. He’s allowed one run and six hits in two starts over 10 innings since rejoining the rotation.

Irvin has made two career starts against the Rockies and allowed four earned runs in 12 innings. He’s won both decisions.

Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland is tied for most losses in the National League with 13 and has posted a 5.02 ERA and 1.473 WHIP in 24 starts. He’s struck out only 83 batters in 129 innings.

The former first-round pick, eighth overall in 2014, tossed 12 2/3 scoreless innings in two starts to begin the season and allowed only two runs in his first three totaling 18 2/3. Right-handers are batting .310/.358/.539 against him this season, and left-handers are hitting .250/.290/.363.

In his only career start against the Orioles, Freeland allowed seven runs and 10 hits over four innings in 2019 in Colorado.

The Rockies continue their road trip after the Rays swept them in three games. They have the worst record in the National League at 48-79, including 20-46 away from home.

The Orioles lost two of three games to the Rockies in Colorado in 2019. The teams have split 12 games in Baltimore.

Colorado’s roster includes former Orioles catcher Austin Wynns.