#baltimore_orioles

Chris Bassitt Reflects on Bond with Blue Jays Before Orioles Debut When George Springer opened Thursday’s game by stepping into the batter’s box and sticking out his tongue toward the mound, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt didn’t even notice. The moment offered a potential camera-ready exchange between former teammates, but Bassitt chose to avoid eye contact with any Toronto Blue Jays players or coaches. “The mistake, at least in the past, that I’ve made is that I’ve tried to make it buddy-buddy and friendly and have fun,” Bassitt told Sportsnet on Friday. “That turns the competition metre off. So, yesterday, I didn’t look at anybody. If I look at them, my love for them will trump the competition side. I was just trying to block out all the emotions of that.” His approach clearly worked, as Bassitt delivered one of his strongest outings of the season, holding the Blue Jays to one run on four hits over six innings during an eventual Orioles loss decided by the bullpen. The Blue Jays’ visit to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a four-game series provided Bassitt with an opportunity to reconnect with teammates he had formed strong bonds with during his three-year tenure in Toronto. “When I signed there three years ago, I didn’t expect to have the relationship I had with all those people,” Bassitt said. “Didn’t expect to have some of my best friends in the world on that team. Didn’t expect, obviously, to make the run that we did.” His former teammates echoed his sentiments, with Jeff Hoffman calling Bassitt “a huge reason why we were as close as we were last year” and Ernie Clement noting, “We definitely miss him. He was one of our main guys last year. So, it’s a noticeable difference without him.” Bassitt’s impact on the Blue Jays was significant. Last season, he posted a 3.#toronto_blue_jays #baltimore_orioles #george_springer #chris_bassitt #mark_shapiro

Tigers, Gleyber Torres both feeling pain of his prolonged absence The Detroit Tigers' recent 2-15 skid into the doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles has been attributed not only to Tarik Skubal’s injury but also to the absence of second baseman Gleyber Torres, who has been sidelined since May 4. Manager AJ Hinch emphasized that Torres’ absence has disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm, particularly due to his consistent on-base skills and ability to extend at-bats. Without him, the Tigers have averaged 2.4 runs per game, hit below .200, and ranked last in the league in home runs during this stretch. Torres, who was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, has not played since May 2. His absence has led to a significant drop in offensive production, with the team recording seven or fewer hits in nine games before Sunday’s matchup. This marks only the second time in franchise history that the Tigers have endured such a prolonged hitting slump, with the previous instance occurring during their 1968 championship season. Since May 4, the Tigers have managed just 15 hits in 115 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including eight games where they failed to record a hit in critical situations. Hinch highlighted how Torres’ presence has been a stabilizing force in the lineup. “If you just take one skill of the many that he has, the on-base, the consistent at-bat, the longer at-bat — there’s always a hit in there. Even on his bad days, he’s going to find a way to get on base or get a hit. That’s a very stable thing to have at the top of our order,” Hinch said. The loss of Torres has forced adjustments in the batting order, moving Dillon Dingler up toward the top of the lineup and elevating Colt Keith to the No. 6 spot.#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #gleyber_torres #lakeland #aj_hinch

Gleyber Torres Returns to Tigers, Faces Extended Rehab Delays Gleyber Torres has officially rejoined the Detroit Tigers in Baltimore, but his path to full recovery and return to the lineup has been extended beyond initial expectations. The three-time All-Star, who has been sidelined since May 4 due to a left oblique strain, returned to the team’s clubhouse this weekend, though his rehabilitation process has slowed, delaying his potential return to action. Torres revealed during a Sunday press conference that his recent time at the team’s complex in Lakeland, Florida, had been a mix of progress and frustration. While he noted that the initial phase of his rehab had gone well—describing the early days of swing work as “feeling good”—he admitted that attempts to increase his hitting intensity had led to discomfort. “We hit a couple days, feels good, but when we try to hit a little bit more, don’t feel any good,” Torres said. He emphasized that while his defensive skills and physical conditioning had improved, his inability to swing effectively remained a significant hurdle. Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed that Torres had not yet regained the ability to take full swings during rehab. The decision to grant him a four-day break from swing work was intended to allow additional healing, with hopes that he could resume batting practice by Tuesday when the Tigers return home. Hinch acknowledged the challenge of balancing Torres’ recovery with the team’s immediate needs, stating, “The hope is the break will allow additional healing that could see him get back into the batting cage.” Torres’ absence has had a measurable impact on the Tigers’ performance. Since his injury, Detroit has posted an MLB-worst .#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #gleyber_torres #a_j_hinch #toledo_mud_hens

Kenley Jansen blows save on walk-off HR in Game 1; Tigers lose 8th straight The Detroit Tigers extended their losing streak to eight games after a dramatic collapse in the ninth inning of Game 1 against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, May 24, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Tigers fell to a 5-3 decision as right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen failed to protect a 2-1 lead, surrendering a walk-off three-run home run to Colton Cowser. The loss marked the team’s 16th defeat in 18 games, deepening their struggles in a challenging season. The game began with the Tigers holding a 2-1 advantage entering the final three innings, thanks to a strong performance from left-hander Framber Valdez. The 32-year-old, signed to a three-year, $115 million free-agent contract, pitched six innings, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. Valdez, known for his ground-ball tendencies, navigated several flyouts to the warning track but managed to keep the Orioles in check. His effort was highlighted by a solo home run from Gunnar Henderson, who hit a hanging curveball for a sixth-inning solo shot. Despite the Orioles’ 92 mph exit velocity on 15 balls in play, Valdez’s control and command kept the Tigers in the game. The Tigers’ offensive push began in the fourth inning, when they capitalized on a defensive error by Baltimore first baseman Pete Alonso. After Brandon Young retired the first eight batters, Zack Short led off the third with a double, setting the stage for a rally. Kevin McGonigle reached on a leadoff single, and Dillon Dingler’s flare toward Alonso created a pivotal moment. Alonso, attempting to force out McGonigle, let the ball drop near first base, allowing runners to reach second and third.#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #framber_valdez #kenley_jansen #colton_cowser

Orioles Suffer Humiliating Four-Game Sweep at Yankees, Lose 12-1 in Final Game The Baltimore Orioles endured their most crushing defeat of the 2026 season on May 5, 2026, as the New York Yankees completed a four-game sweep with a 12-1 thrashing at Yankee Stadium. The loss marked the culmination of a series in which the Orioles were outscored by at least five runs in every game, failed to hold a lead at any point, and were outclassed in every facet of the game. The Yankees’ dominance was epitomized by Aaron Judge’s first-inning two-run home run, which set the tone for a performance that left the Orioles’ fans in disbelief. The series began with the Yankees taking control early, and the Orioles’ struggles were evident from the outset. In the first inning, Trent Grisham led off with a double, setting the stage for Judge’s towering two-run homer to right-center. The call on the pitch drew criticism, as Judge’s 2-2 offering was clearly in the strike zone, and Adley Rutschman’s failure to challenge the umpire’s call left the Yankees with a 2-0 lead. The Orioles’ pitching staff, led by Shane Baz, struggled to contain the Yankees’ offense. Baz, making his seventh start of the season, labored through 5.2 innings, surrendering six runs (five earned) and issuing a season-high five walks. His ERA of 4.99 has raised questions about whether the Orioles traded for a true ace. The Orioles’ defense compounded their woes with a series of costly errors. In the third inning, Leody Taveras’ failed throw from center field allowed Grisham to advance to third, and Gunnar Henderson’s inability to corral the ball led to a run. The team’s inability to convert opportunities was glaring, as they went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.#new_york_yankees #aaron_judge #baltimore_orioles #shane_baz #adley_rutschman

Astros and Orioles Set for Doubleheader After Rainout Delay The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles will play a doubleheader today at Camden Yards following a rainout that postponed their scheduled game on April 29. The Astros (11-19) and Orioles (14-15) will face off in two games, with the first contest featuring a matchup of right-handed pitchers. Astros rookie RHP Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27 ERA) will start Game 1 against Orioles RHP Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA). This will mark Lambert’s first career appearance against the Orioles, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup. Lambert, who joined the Astros via free agency this offseason after a season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, has shown promise in his early MLB campaign. In his first start on April 17 against the Cardinals, he pitched 6.0 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters (16 whiffs) in a 2-0 Astros victory. His performance has been notable for his ability to induce swings and misses, with a combined 39 whiffs in two starts this season. On April 17, he recorded 23 strikeouts, ranking him among the top AL pitchers in 2026 for whiffs in a single game. The doubleheader will conclude a three-game series against the Orioles, with the Astros holding a 4-3 record in the 2025 season against Baltimore. The teams will next meet in a three-game set at Daikin Park in July. For the Astros, the series carries significance as they aim to improve their standing in the AL West. Yordan Alvarez has emerged as a standout performer for the Astros, leading the American League in several key categories. Through the first 30 games of the season, he has hit 11 home runs, ranking second in franchise history behind Lance Berkman’s 13 in 2002. Alvarez’s .#baltimore_orioles #houston_astros #camden_yards #peter_lambert #chris_bassitt

Ward's 3 Doubles Lead Orioles’ Sweep of White Sox in Win The Baltimore Orioles secured a decisive victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, with outfielder Taylor Ward playing a pivotal role. Ward’s three doubles in the game propelled the Orioles to a sweep of the series, marking a significant milestone in his season. The 26-year-old slugger now leads the Major Leagues with nine doubles, showcasing his consistency and ability to impact games in multiple ways. Ward’s performance came during a crucial matchup against a White Sox team that had been a formidable opponent in recent weeks. The Orioles’ offensive onslaught began in the first inning, with Ward launching a double to the right-center field gap, which set the tone for the game. His ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes and find gaps in the White Sox’ infield defense highlighted his value as a leadoff hitter. The doubles were not just a testament to Ward’s power but also his plate discipline. Throughout the game, he worked deep counts and drew walks, forcing the White Sox’ pitchers to throw more pitches. This strategy allowed the Orioles to maintain pressure on the opposing team’s pitching staff, which struggled to find rhythm in the middle innings. The Orioles’ victory extended their winning streak to four games, a sign of their growing dominance in the American League East. Manager Brandon Hyde praised Ward’s efforts, noting that his ability to drive in runs and create opportunities for his teammates was instrumental in the win. “Taylor’s been a consistent threat all season, and tonight was another example of why he’s one of the best in the league,” Hyde said. Ward’s performance also had a ripple effect on the team’s overall strategy.#baltimore_orioles #chicago_white_sox #taylor_ward #brandon_hyde #american_league_east

White Sox get swept by Orioles in 3-game series, losing 5-3 The Baltimore Orioles secured a decisive 5-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, completing a three-game sweep of their rivals. The win marked the Orioles’ ninth consecutive triumph against the White Sox, extending their dominance in this matchup. The game, played at Comerica Park, saw the Orioles capitalize on key offensive plays and defensive lapses to secure the win, while the White Sox struggled to maintain momentum despite a late rally. Taylor Ward emerged as the standout performer for the Orioles, driving in two runs and scoring another to fuel Baltimore’s offensive surge. Ward’s four hits, including a two-run double in the third inning and an RBI double in the ninth, were instrumental in the Orioles’ success. His contributions helped the team overcome a 3-2 deficit in the fifth inning, as the White Sox managed to take the lead. However, the Orioles’ resilience was evident in the sixth inning, where Pete Alonso scored on a passed ball by catcher Reese McGuire after the bases were loaded. Dylan Beavers then extended Baltimore’s lead to 4-3 with a sacrifice fly against White Sox reliever Bryan Hudson. The White Sox’ fifth-inning rally was sparked by a combination of three walks and two errors from Orioles starter Kyle Bradish. With runners on first and second and one out, Bradish missed a throw back to the mound after issuing his third walk of the inning to Colson Montgomery. Bradish’s slow reaction to retrieve the ball allowed Chase Meidroth to race home, giving Chicago a 3-2 lead. However, Andrew Benintendi’s strikeout stranded both runners, preventing the White Sox from capitalizing further.#baltimore_orioles #chicago_white_sox #pete_alonso #comerica_park #taylor_ward

Orioles complete sweep over White Sox The Baltimore Orioles secured a 5-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday afternoon at Rate Field, completing a three-game sweep and ending a 3-3 road trip with a return to .500 in the American League. Despite lingering issues with offensive production, defensive lapses, and uncertainty surrounding their No. 5 starter role, the Orioles managed to overcome these challenges and position themselves for a potential turnaround ahead of their next series. The win came after a rough series in Pittsburgh, where the Orioles struggled to find consistency. Manager Craig Albernaz made adjustments to the lineup in the final game of the series, placing Gunnar Henderson at leadoff for the first time this season and moving Pete Alonso to cleanup. This change appeared to spark a positive shift, as Henderson, who had already hit two home runs in the first two games of the series, continued to dominate. Alonso, who had been held back in the batting order, also contributed significantly, with his power potential becoming a focal point for the team’s future offensive strategy. Offensively, the Orioles have yet to fully harness their power-hitting capabilities. Despite featuring stars like Henderson, Taylor Ward, Adley Rutschman, Pete Alonso, and Tyler O’Neill, the team has only combined for six home runs in 12 games. While Henderson’s four homers have been a bright spot, the lack of production from the other sluggers has raised concerns. Ward, however, has shown promise with his ability to hit for average, recording nine doubles in his past eight games and driving in Henderson twice with a pair of doubles in the finale.#baltimore_orioles #gunnar_henderson #craig_albernaz #chicago_white_sox #pete_alonso

Mets' Most Glaring Question at First Base Before Opening Day For the first time since 2018, Pete Alonso will not be the New York Mets starting first baseman on Opening Day. After declining to re-sign Alonso, who instead signed a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, the Mets opted to pursue a different approach at first base. This decision was largely influenced by Alonso’s lack of defensive prowess at the position. With Opening Day just two days away and a new player occupying the first base spot, questions remain about whether the Mets made the right move by not bringing back Alonso. The Mets’ choice to move away from Alonso has sparked debate, particularly given his absence from the team. While Polanco has performed reasonably well in his nine Grapefruit League games at first base, his first error of the spring training season against the Houston Astros raised concerns. Polanco sought guidance from former Mets first baseman and captain Keith Hernandez on adjusting to the position, a step that could prove valuable in the long term. However, the error highlighted the challenges of transitioning to a new role. Beyond Polanco, the Mets have limited internal options to fill the first base position. When Polanco takes a break, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos are the primary alternatives. Baty, who had a standout 2025 season with the Mets, lacks significant experience at first base. Meanwhile, Vientos, despite his prior experience at the position, faces uncertainty due to his underwhelming 2025 performance and a lackluster spring training showing. Both players bring potential but also risk, leaving the Mets to balance between familiarity and fresh talent. This gamble represents a significant risk for the team.#new_york_mets #baltimore_orioles #pete_alonso #keith_hernandez #sandy_alderman

20 Must-Have Fantasy Baseball Draft Picks for 2026 - ESPN Value is a concept central to fantasy baseball, representing when a player’s potential exceeds the perception of others. It’s about identifying raw talent that others may overlook. While draft lists and average draft positions (ADP) are useful, the best managers form their own opinions. Here are 20 players I believe will be key assets in 2026, spanning various league formats, with a focus on ESPN’s standard points-based system. These selections include 13 American League and seven National League players, 12 hitters and eight pitchers. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox Anthony’s game-winning home run in the World Baseball Classic semifinals highlighted his potential, but his regular-season performance was equally impressive. In 71 games between his June call-up and season-ending oblique injury, he ranked second in hard-hit rate (60.7%) and 12th in chase rate (19.3%) at age 21. His combination of power and contact skills makes him a top-tier prospect. Shane Baz, SP, Baltimore Orioles Baz’s 2025 season was hampered by the pitcher-unfriendly environment at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where he allowed MLB’s worst qualified home HR/FB rate (13.5%) and a BABIP 40 points higher than on the road. Moving to Camden Yards in Baltimore should benefit his performance, and his 40.5% whiff rate in spring starts suggests he’s ready to rebound. Michael Busch, 1B, Chicago Cubs Busch’s raw talent places him closer to Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson than Willson Contreras or Spencer Torkelson. Despite being overlooked in a deep first base pool, he finished 10th in Statcast’s Barrel rate (17.6%) and 11th in wOBA (.369) among all batting title-eligibles. His upside makes him a valuable asset in 2026.#chicago_cubs #boston_red_sox #new_york_yankees #baltimore_orioles #kansas_city_royals

Orioles Near Opening Day as WBC Action Intensifies The Baltimore Orioles are fast approaching their 2026 season opener, with just 10 days remaining before the first game. The team’s Grapefruit League schedule is in its final stretch, and they are set to host the Boston Red Sox on Monday at 6:05 EDT. Following this matchup, the Orioles will travel north for exhibition games against the Washington Nationals, marking the last major tune-up before the regular season begins. The team’s spring training has been marked by both progress and uncertainty. Pitcher Zach Eflin, who started a rainout game against the New York Yankees, remains a question mark for Opening Day. Despite the game being washed out in the third inning after 32 pitches, manager Craig Albernaz reported that Eflin is recovering faster than anticipated, though his availability remains unclear. Meanwhile, third baseman Coby Mayo has been absent from games since March 10, despite his strong performance in spring training. Mayo, who had four hits and a home run in a recent game, has not played since, though no injury concerns have been reported. The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has also been a focal point for the Orioles, with several players representing Team USA. In a semifinal matchup against the Dominican Republic, the U.S. team advanced after a thrilling game. The Dominican Republic took an early lead with a home run from Junior Caminero, but Gunnar Henderson tied the game in the fourth inning with his own home run. Roman Anthony added another long ball, giving Team USA a 2-1 lead they held until the end. In the bottom of the ninth, Dominican Republic’s Geraldo Perdomo reached third base, but Mason Miller struck him out looking on a pitch that was clearly below the strike zone, sealing the U.S. victory.#boston_red_sox #baltimore_orioles #zach_eflin #craig_albernaz #coby_mayo

Orioles react to Gunnar Henderson's home run in 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal Baltimore Orioles players and coaches have expressed strong support for Gunnar Henderson’s performance in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with many urging the U.S. team to include the 24-year-old in the championship game against Venezuela. Despite the U.S. roster featuring top-tier talent, teammates emphasized Henderson’s value and the Orioles’ deep understanding of his abilities. Henderson, who has emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s premier players in recent years, showcased his elite skills during the tournament. In pool play, he went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs in a 9-1 victory over Great Britain on March 7. He followed with a home run in an 8-6 loss to Italy, then hit a game-tying homer in the fourth inning of the U.S. semifinal win against the Dominican Republic. His 400-foot solo shot, projected by Statcast, proved pivotal in securing the victory. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa cited Henderson’s past success against Dominican Republic starter Luis Severino as a key factor in his lineup placement. Henderson, 7-for-9 with a double, a home run, and four RBIs against Severino in MLB games, was slotted at No. 5 in the order. His performance in the semifinal reinforced his readiness for the championship. Orioles players like second baseman Jackson Holliday and infielder Coby Mayo praised Henderson’s adaptability to the tournament’s demanding role. Holliday noted Henderson’s ability to thrive despite limited playing time, while Mayo highlighted his energy and clutch performance. Holliday even shared a lighthearted moment when his mother predicted a home run, only for Henderson to ground out initially before delivering the game-tying shot.#world_baseball_classic #mark_derosa #baltimore_orioles #gunnar_henderson #luis_severino