Reaction to today's trade, Cowser stays in leadoff spot in Orioles lineup

The Orioles announced today’s trade, with second baseman Connor Norby and outfielder Kyle Stowers going to the Marlins for starting pitcher Trevor Rogers.

Rogers posted a 4.53 ERA and 1.528 WHIP this season in 21 games but has a 3.32 ERA in his last eight starts. He's under team control through 2026.

“It’s a left-handed starter,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “I haven’t talked with Mike (Elias) much about it at this point just because he’s still working really hard and it happened not that long ago, but from what I do know, he’s a guy that’s had nine or 10 really good starts his last times out, and always looking for starting pitching and hopefully he can help us down the stretch.”

Hyde isn’t ready to discuss his rotation or bullpen until the 6 p.m. deadline. He kept reminding the media about it.

Albert Suárez could shift to the 'pen with the rotation filled by Rogers, Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin and Dean Kremer. Triple-A Norfolk pitchers Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott could be used in relief down the road.

“We haven’t even gotten that far,” Hyde said. “We’ve got another hour-and-a-half, so let’s see what happens.”

Terrin Vavra’s contract was selected from Norfolk. He broke camp with the team in 2023 but has sustained multiple injuries and underwent shoulder surgery last fall.

The removal of Norby and Stowers from the 40-man roster cleared two spots. Vavra replaces Norby on the active roster.

Vavra has batted .254/.331/.304 in 67 games with the Orioles. He was slashing .269/.377/.423 in 31 games with Norfolk.

Norby and Stowers will get regular at-bats in South Florida that weren’t available with the Orioles.

“Part of the game,” Hyde said. “The unfortunate part is saying goodbye to people sometimes. I’ve just been talking to Connor. Excited for him to hopefully get a great opportunity to play and showcase himself as a major league player. And Kyle in the same boat. Guys who have really put really good numbers up in Triple-A and looking for an opportunity, and hopefully get one in Miami.

“I know a couple of the coaches really well down there and was texting back and forth about those guys, and they were with me about Rogers. Hopefully it’s a good situation for them there.”

“We all know what comes with this week,” said Ryan O’Hearn. “I’ve had a good relationship with both of those guys. Norby is a really tough competitor. Just the way he competes in the box. Plays great defense. He’s somebody I’ve become good friends with and I’m just happy for him, his opportunity. Obviously sad to see him go. But I think he’s gonna be a really good player. And same thing goes with Stowers.

“I’ve gotten close with Stowers, as well. The way that he handled all that adversity last year spoke volumes for me. He handled getting sent up and down, broke his nose. Just a lot of adversity, a lot of things not going his way, and just handled it with a lot of grace. Says a lot about his character. As far as baseball goes, he’s extremely talented. He’s going to continue to evolve and I think the sky’s the limit for him, too. Hate to see both those guys go. Miami got two really good players, and it’s just kind of how it goes.”

“I was pretty close with both of them,” said Ryan Mountcastle. “Super great teammates, great people, so for them to leave is not always fun, but I’m happy for them and they’ll get a good chance over there.”

The lineup was posted later than usual, perhaps related to the deadline as Elias continues his pursuit of a reliever and a right-handed bat.

“I think everybody in his clubhouse is sort of anxious to see what happens,” Mountcastle said, “but once it’s over, we’re excited to get back to playing good baseball and try to win games.”

Triple-A catcher Blake Hunt is on the 24-hour taxi squad. Meanwhile, Hyde said James McCann has fractures in his nose but is cleared to play.

Colton Cowser is leading off again tonight and playing left field. Cowser has an 11-game hitting streak that’s the longest of his career. He’s slashing .375/.435/.650 (15-for-40) during that stretch.

Gunnar Henderson is batting third. Mountcastle is at first base, Jordan Westburg is playing second and Ramón Urías is at third.

Cedric Mullins is in center field, with Anthony Santander in right.

Corbin Burnes continues his Cy Young quest tonight. He’s 10-4 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.038 WHIP in 21 outings and has registered 17 quality starts.

The Blue Jays faced Burnes twice this season and were held to two runs in 13 innings.

The Orioles lead the Yankees by a half-game in the division. They’ve allowed at least five runs in eight consecutive games, their longest streak since 15 in 2021.

They’ve committed nine errors in the last six games.

Chris Bassitt has made 21 starts and posted a 3.78 ERA and 1.412 WHIP in 119 innings. He’s surrendered only 11 home runs.

Bassitt’s ERA the past three months: 2.40 in five starts in May, 1.95 in six starts in June and 6.23 in four starts in July. He has a 4.79 ERA in six career starts against the Orioles.

Henderson is 3-for-6 with two home runs and five RBIs against Bassitt. O’Hearn is 4-for-7 with a homer.

For the Orioles

Colton Cowser LF
Adley Rutschman C
Gunnar Henderson SS
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan O’Hearn DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Jordan Westburg 2B
Cedric Mullins CF
Ramón Urías 3B

Corbin Burnes RHP

Ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against Crystal Palace at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, members of the Premier League football club Wolverhampton will attend tonight’s game at Camden Yards.

Matt Doherty, a player on Wolverhampton, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Also, 2009 Wolverhampton Hall of Fame inductee Steve Bull will be on Eutaw Street near the New Era store from 5:30-6 p.m. to participate in a meet and greet with fans.

Bull scored 306 goals as a member of the Wolves, including 18 hat tricks, both club records.

Also throwing out the first pitch is longtime Baltimore reporters and WJZ sports director Mark Viviano, who retired this month after 40 years in the industry.