Baltimore

Orioles

Colton Cowser and Jeremiah Jackson also homered for Baltimore. The 404-foot shot off Mitchell Parker was Henderson’s first Grapefruit League homer after he went 6-for-15 with two homers for Team USA. He appears set to open the season in the leadoff spot for Baltimore. If not for his broken hamate, Jackson Holliday might have kept that assignment after finishing last season there, but getting Henderson the most at-bats on the team seems like a pretty good strategy.

Bradish got nine whiffs on his 35 breaking balls today but none on his 39 fastballs and sinkers. Everything turned out well, of course, but it was still rather discouraging to see him walk the likes of Jacob Young, Nasim Nuñez and Drew Millas before departing. Bradish will make his season debut Saturday at home against the Twins on Kyle Bradish Jersey Hoodie day.

Vázquez was hit by a pitch in the thumb, and while he was initially able to stay in the game, he was removed for a pinch-runner shortly after. The 26-year-old is attempting to win a utility spot with Baltimore to open 2026, but obviously the results of his imaging will play a major factor in his ability to do so.

Rogers had already been announced as the Opening Day starter. Bradish will pitch on Saturday against the Twins with Shane Baz working the finale of that opening series. Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin will then work the first two games against the Rangers.

“Things are going fine so far, but we still have a lot of time ahead of us,” Elias said. Westburg isn’t currently on the 60-day IL, but he might wind up there if the Orioles need his spot on the 40-man. As is, it looks like Coby Mayo will be Baltimore’s primary third baseman for at least the first 6-8 weeks.

It’s still disappointing no non-contender claimed Noel off waivers when the Orioles managed to sneak him through in January. He’s gone 8-for-21 with two homers this spring, and while he’ll never completely overcome his contact issues, he’s still just 24 and more interesting than some of the guys getting jobs as fourth and fifth outfielders.

Those three batters were Christian Cairo, Trea Turner and Bryson Stott. Although Wells has given up four runs in 7 2/3 innings this spring, his 12/1 K/BB is really nice. His roster spot is assured, and he should be in contention for a setup role in Baltimore’s pen.

That according to manager Craig Albernaz. Akin is projected to be a big part of the Baltimore bullpen, but a trip to the injured list to open 2026 can’t be ruled out. This also could be precautionary with camp ending soon, but the left-hander’s status should be updated shortly regardless.

The decision to jettison Kremer after a solid showing in spring training and the World Baseball Classic signals that Baltimore will go with Zach Eflin as the final member of a five-man, season-opening rotation. The 30-year-old righty led the Orioles with 171 2/3 innings over 31 appearances (29 starts) last year, which provides some insight into how much the club overhauled their rotation this offseason. He’s unlikely to spend too much time at Triple-A since Baltimore is eventually going to move to a six-man rotation, like most teams in the current era, after a couple weeks to build in extra rest for their starters.

Kjerstad is heading to Baltimore to undergo further imaging to determine the severity after suffering the injury earlier this week. The latest development guarantees that he’ll open the season on the injured list and takes him out of the running for a bench role. There should be a clear return timeline at some point next week.