Luis Robert Jr. Claimed by Orioles Off Waivers The Baltimore Orioles made a significant roster move as they aim to bolster their chances of securing a postseason berth in the final stretch of the 2026 season. The club officially claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off outright waivers from the New York Mets, marking a strategic addition to their lineup. Robert, a 29-year-old right-handed hitter, will join the team ahead of the expanded 28-player roster, which begins on Tuesday. While he did not report for the team’s opening game of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, he is expected to be available for the remainder of the season. Robert’s waiver claim came after a challenging first season with the Mets, during which he played only 58 games. His performance with New York was modest, with a .223 batting average, four doubles, 10 home runs, 23 RBIs, and a .702 OPS. The right-handed slugger’s season was interrupted by a lumbar spine disc herniation, which kept him on the injured list from April 27 to July 20. After a slow return to form, Robert showed improvement in recent weeks, hitting .288 with six home runs and a .922 OPS in 21 games since August 6. A seven-year MLB veteran, Robert has previously spent his first six seasons with the Chicago White Sox. The Cuban native was a standout performer during his time in Chicago, earning an All-Star selection and Silver Slugger Award in 2023. He also won a Gold Glove in 2020 and finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting that same year. His combination of power and defensive skills made him a valuable asset, and his return to the Orioles’ roster is seen as a key step in their pursuit of a Wild Card berth. The Orioles’ decision to claim Robert was part of a broader roster overhaul.#new_york_mets #baltimore_orioles #craig_albernaz #chicago_white_sox #luis_robert_jr
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
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
