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
