Mateo comes off IL, Coulombe goes on it; Baker recalled, Norby optioned

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled RHP Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Reinstated INF/OF Jorge Mateo from the 7-day concussion Injured List.
  • Placed LHP Danny Coulombe on the 15-day Injured List (left elbow inflammation), retroactive to June 9.
  • Optioned INF/OF Connor Norby to Triple-A Norfolk.

Former closer Cordero joins Nationals Youth Baseball Academy staff

Chad Cordero, the Washington Nationals career saves leader, has joined the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy as a full-time HUSTLE baseball and Nationals Nike RBI coach. In this role, Cordero will coach and mentor young Scholar Athletes through competitive game play to prepare them for the high school level and develop those looking to pursue their careers at the collegiate level and beyond. Celebrating 10 years of community involvement, the Youth Baseball Academy is the signature program of Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals.

Affectionately known to fans as “Chief,” Cordero pitched for the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals from 2003-2008. He earned the National League Reliever of the Year Award in 2005 and holds the team record (2005-pres.) with 113 career saves. An organizational staple, he was involved in some of the team’s biggest moments, including making an appearance in the team’s first win, earning the team’s first save and earning the save in the team’s first home game, among many other accomplishments. Throughout his playing days and in his post-playing career as a coach, he has continued to advocate for expanding access to the game of baseball, especially among underrepresented groups. 

“I am so excited to return to Washington, D.C., a truly special place that holds some of my fondest memories both on and off the field. It feels like coming home,” Cordero said. “It has been my continued mission to make an impact in the community and to grow the game in underserved areas, which Nationals Philanthropies has successfully done now for over a decade. I’m looking forward to coaching the incredible Scholar Athletes at the Academy and helping elevate their talents to the next level.”

The Youth Baseball Academy has delivered 10 years of holistic youth development, academic enrichment, wellness education and youth sports experiences to thousands of school-age children living east of the Anacostia River. Cordero will serve as a coach of the Academy’s HUSTLE and Nationals Nike RBI programs. The HUSTLE program uses competitive baseball and softball experiences to promote character development and an active lifestyle – instilling the values of leadership, accountability, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. The Nationals Nike RBI charter, which the Academy took on earlier this year, provides a summer baseball experience for high school-aged players that includes training, competition, and community service. Both programs provide free travel baseball and softball experiences to athletes and their families in underserved areas, removing the typical pay-to-play barrier of competitive athletics. Select players from Academy programs and local RBI affiliates represent the Academy throughout a full summer season of competition including trips to MLB tournaments like the Commissioner’s Cup and RBI Regional Tournament.

To learn more about Nationals Philanthropies and the Youth Baseball Academy programming, please visit nats4good.org. 

O's select Povich contract

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contract of LHP Cade Povich from Triple-A Norfolk. He will start today’s game against Toronto, which will be his Major League debut. He will wear No. 37.
  • Optioned LHP Nick Vespi to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Nats place Trevor Williams on IL, recall DJ Herz from Triple-A Rochester

The Washington Nationals recalled left-handed pitcher DJ Herz from Triple-A Rochester and placed right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams on the 15-day Injured List (retroactive to June 1) with a right flexor muscle strain on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Herz will start and make his Major League debut tonight against the New York Mets at Nationals Park.

Herz, 23, is 3-2 with a 3.75 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a .177 opponents’ batting average in nine starts for the Red Wings this season. Over his last four starts, Herz is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA (5 ER/18.0 IP), 25 strikeouts and a .148 average against. In his last start on May 30 vs. St. Paul (MIN), he struck out 10 and allowed one run on two hits and one walk in 5.1 innings.

Herz leads all of Minor League Baseball with a .176 opponents’ batting average and is third with 13.09 strikeouts per 9.0 innings since the start of the 2021 season (min. 250.0 IP). In parts of five Minor League seasons, Herz is 13-16 with a 3.65 ERA with 455 strikeouts in 317.2 innings and has held opposing hitters to a .178 batting average.

Originally an eighth-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2019 from Sanford High School in Fayetteville, N.C., Herz was acquired by the Nationals on July 31, 2023, with Kevin Made in exchange for Jeimer Candelario. He is currently ranked as the Nationals No. 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.

Williams, 32, is 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA (14 ER / 56.2 IP), 47 strikeouts and 16 walks in 11 starts this season.

Roster moves include selection of Norby contract

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contract of INF/OF Connor Norby from Triple-A Norfolk. He will wear No. 12 and his first appearance will be his Major League debut.
  • Recalled LHP Nick Vespi from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Placed INF/OF Jorge Mateo on the 7-day concussion Injured List.
  • Designated RHP Thyago Vieira for assignment.

 

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 39 players.

Nationals recall Drew Millas

The Washington Nationals recalled catcher Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester and optioned catcher Riley Adams to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Millas, 26, joins the Nationals for the third time this season after hitting .308 with six doubles, five homers, 22 RBI, eight walks, five stolen bases and 11 runs scored in 30 games for the Red Wings. He hit safely in nine of his last 10 games, going 12-for-36 (.333) with a double and eight RBI during that stretch.

Millas appeared in two games with Washington in his first two stints of the season. He made his Major League debut in 2023 after his contract was selected on August 28. Millas hit safely in six of his first eight starts, including each of his first four. In 11 Major League games last year, Millas hit .286 (8-for-28) with two doubles, a home run, six RBI, four walks and a run scored.

Adams, 27, appeared in 25 games for the Nationals this season. He hit .215 with five doubles, two homers, six RBI, seven walks, one stolen base and six runs scored.

Thomas activated, Robles DFA'd

The Washington Nationals returned from rehabilitation assignment and reinstated outfielder Lane Thomas from the 10-day Injured List and designated Victor Robles for assignment on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Thomas, 28, hit .308 (4-for-13) with two doubles, two RBI, three walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored in four rehab games with Double-A Harrisburg.

Thomas returns to the active roster after missing 29 games with a left MCL sprain. Despite missing over a month, he still ranks ninth in the National League with his 11 stolen bases. Thomas hit .184 with two home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks, 11 stolen bases and six runs scored in 22 games for the Nationals prior to being placed on the Injured List on April 24.

Robles, 27, hit .120 with two RBI, five walks, four stolen bases and three runs scored in 14 games with Washington this season.

Please see the attached documents for the updated 26-man roster and 40-man roster.

Vieira activated, Vespi optioned

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Activated RHP Thyago Vieira. He will wear No. 40.
  • Optioned LHP Nick Vespi to Triple-A Norfolk.

Means to IL, Heasley recalled

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled RHP Jonathan Heasley from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Placed LHP John Means on the 15-day Injured List (left forearm strain).

Vespi returns to Norfolk

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Added LHP Nick Vespi from Triple-A Norfolk to serve as the 27th man for today’s doubleheader.

Orioles trade for Seattle catcher Hunt

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired catcher BLAKE HUNT from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-handed pitcher MIKE BAUMANN and minor league catcher MICHAEL PÉREZ. Hunt has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Hunt, 25, is slashing .293/.372/.533 (22-for-75) with four doubles, one triple, four home runs, 15 runs scored, 20 RBI, six walks, and four hit-by-pitches in 23 games with Triple-A Tacoma this season. He’s posted a .988 fielding percentage in his eight-year career while throwing out 25.7 percent (115-of-448) would-be base stealers. The former Competitive Balance Round B selection out of Mater Dei (CA) High School by the San Diego Padres in 2017 was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a five-player trade that sent BLAKE SNELL to the Padres on December 29, 2020, before being traded to the Mariners for catcher TATEM LEVINS on November 6, 2023. Hunt has yet to appear in a Major League game, and is ranked as the No. 23 Mariners prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Baumann, 28, made 17 relief appearances this season with Baltimore, going 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA (7 ER/18.1 IP) on 18 hits (2 HR), nine walks, one hit-by-pitch, and 16 strikeouts. Baumann has spent his entire eight-year professional career in the organization, including parts of four MLB seasons since 2021, compiling a 13-5 record with a 4.45 ERA (63 ER/127.1 IP) in 94 MLB games (4 starts). He was originally selected by the Orioles in the third round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Jacksonville University (FL).

Pérez, 31, appeared in 21 games this year with Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .221/.294/.325 (17-for-77) with two doubles, two home runs, four runs, 13 RBI, five walks, and three hit-by-pitches. He was signed by the Orioles to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training on December 30, 2023. The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native was originally selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, and later debuted in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has played in 202 Major League games between the Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Mets, slashing .179/.248/.306 (97-for-543) with 22 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, 52 runs scored, 61 RBI, 47 walks, and four hit-by-pitches.

 

Rodriguez activated, Baumann DFA

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated RHP Grayson Rodriguez from the 15-day Injured List (right shoulder inflammation). He will start today’s game.
  • Designated RHP Mike Baumann for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 38 players.

Tonight's Orioles-Blue Jays game postponed due to inclement weather

Tonight’s scheduled game between the Orioles and Blue Jays has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a traditional (single-admission) doubleheader on Monday, July 29, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The first game will begin at 3:05 p.m. ET, followed by game two approximately 30 minutes after the first game concludes.

Tickets dated for the Monday, July 29, game will be valid for both games of the doubleheader. Original ticket buyers for tonight's postponed game (purchased directly from the Orioles) will receive a credit on their My Orioles Tickets account, which can be used towards a ticket purchase for any remaining 2024 regular season game. Credit will be available by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Please visit Orioles.com/weather for additional information.

Both games of the doubleheader will be broadcast on MASN and on the Orioles Radio Network, including the flagship station of Hearst Baltimore’s 98 Rock FM and WBAL NewsRadio AM/FM.

Rosario NL Player of the Week

After leading Major League Baseball in OPS (1.733), slugging percentage (1.133) and on-base percentage (.600) this week, Nationals outfielder Eddie Rosario has been named National League Player of the Week. The announcement was made this afternoon on MLB Network.

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Rosario went 7-for-15 (.467) with a double, three homers, five RBI, five walks, three stolen bases and seven runs scored during the week. He hit safely in all five games, including two multi-hit efforts. He reached base safely in 12 of 20 plate appearances along the way.

Beyond this week, Rosario leads Major League Baseball in OPS (1.616) and slugging percentage (1.045) and is tied for the National League lead with four home runs since May 4. He has hit safely in seven straight games, going 10-for-22 (.455) with a double, four homers, seven RBI, six walks, four stolen bases and 10 runs scored during the streak.

This marks Rosario’s third career Player of the Week award (Aug. 2023 and Aug. 2017) and the first award won by a Nationals player this season.

Hays comes off IL, McKenna DFA

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated OF Austin Hays from the 10-day Injured List (left calf strain).
  • Designated OF Ryan McKenna for assignment.

Stowers recalled, Kjerstad optioned

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled OF Kyle Stowers from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Optioned OF Heston Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles claim Brewers RHP Martin

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Claimed RHP Corbin Martin off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Garcia, Robles back from IL; Call to Rochester; Matt Barnes DFA

The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

  *   Returned left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia from rehab assignment and reinstated him from the Injured List
  *   Returned outfielder Victor Robles from rehab assignment and reinstated him from the Injured List
  *   Optioned outfielder Alex Call to Triple-A Rochester
  *   Designated right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes for assignment.

Garcia, 27, returns after missing 14 games with Influenza. In one rehab game with Single-A Fredericksburg, he struck out four without allowing a baserunner in 2.0 innings. Before his IL stint, Garcia was tied for ninth among National League relievers with 13 strikeouts, doing so in just 8.1 innings. He also stranded all five runners he inherited this season. In his career, Garcia has allowed just three extra base hits to left-handed hitters in 68 plate appearances.

Robles, 26, returns after missing 29 games with a left hamstring strain. In six rehab games with Triple-A Rochester, he hit .350 (7-for-20) with a double, a triple, three RBI, three walks, a stolen base and four runs scored. Robles played in four games before his injury, going 0-for-2 with three walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored. Robles hit .299 with five doubles, a triple, eight RBI, 11 walks, eight stolen bases and 15 runs scored in 36 games in 2023.

Call, 29, hit .313 with a double, an RBI, three walks, a stolen base and six runs scored in seven games.

Barnes, 33, recorded a 6.75 ERA (10 ER/13.1 IP) with 10 strikeouts and four walks in 14 games.

Nick Markakis and Terry Crowley elected to Orioles Hall of Fame

Longtime Orioles Scout Dick Bowie Named Herb Armstrong Award Winner 

The Orioles today announced that former right fielder NICK MARKAKIS and former hitting coach and first baseman/designated hitter TERRY CROWLEY have been elected to the Orioles Hall of Fame. Additionally, longtime former Orioles scout DICK BOWIE will be inducted as this year’s Herb Armstrong Award winner.

The three honorees will be recognized on Friday, August 23, at a luncheon at Oriole Park hosted by the Oriole Advocates, founders of the Orioles Hall of Fame. The on-field induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 24, prior to the 4:05 p.m. ET game against the Houston Astros. Information on purchasing tickets for the Oriole Advocates Hall of Fame luncheon will be announced soon. To purchase tickets for the induction ceremony and game, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.

Markakis spent the first nine years of his 15-year career in Baltimore after being selected with the seventh overall pick of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. He ranks among the all-time Orioles leaders in doubles (6th, 316), hits (7th, 1,547), extra-base hits (8th, 473), runs (9th, 749), and RBI (10th, 658). He won two of his three career Gold Gloves in right field with the O’s (2011 & 2014). He led American League outfielders with 17 assists in 2008 and is tied with ADAM JONES for second on the Orioles all-time list with 93 outfield assists, behind PAUL BLAIR (105). His .994 fielding percentage ranks first all-time among MLB right fielders. He led the AL in times on base (283) and bWAR (7.4) in 2008. He was voted Most Valuable Oriole in 2007 after leading the team in average (.300), slugging (.485), OPS (.848), home runs (23), doubles (43), RBI (112), and hits (191).

Crowley had two stints as Baltimore’s hitting coach, spanning a total of 16 years, the second-longest coaching tenure in club history behind ELROD HENDRICKS (28). His first stint was from 1985-89. Crowley returned to the club in 1999 and coached through 2010. His 12 years as coach from 1999-2010 is the fourth-longest continuous coaching stretch in club history behind Hendricks (28), HARRY BRECHEEN (14), and BILL HUNTER (13 ½). The team records for batting average (.281 in ‘04), doubles (322 in ‘08), and on-base percentage (.353 in ‘99) were all set while he was hitting coach. In his second term as hitting coach, individuals established club records that still stand in batting average (MELVIN MORA, .340 in ‘04), doubles (BRIAN ROBERTS, 56 in ‘09), and hits (MIGUEL TEJADA, 214 in ‘06). Overall, Crowley spent 24 years as a big-league hitting coach, including eight years with Minnesota (1991-98). He also spent three years as a minor league hitting instructor, including 1984 in the Orioles farm system.

Nationals and Orioles announce "2024 Beltway Series: Cities Connected"

When the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles face each other for the first time in 2024, they will honor their respective fans and cities in a special way by taking part in 2024 BELTWAY SERIES: CITIES CONNECTED. Both teams will don their popular City Connect uniforms during Game 1 of the Beltway Series presented by INOVA at Nationals Park on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:45 p.m.

As part of 2024 BELTWAY SERIES: CITIES CONNECTED, the Nationals and Orioles will celebrate their joint commitment to youth baseball and softball access, as members of both clubs’ Nike RBI programs will join together for pregame ceremonies. Nationals Philanthropies will make a charitable contribution to Harlem Park Elementary Middle School in West Baltimore – the Orioles’ adopted school, while Baltimore will reciprocate with a contribution to the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy – the signature program of Nationals Philanthropies – when the Nationals visit Baltimore later this season.

Launched in 2022, the Nationals’ cherry blossom-themed City Connect uniforms celebrate hope and new beginnings, symbolized by the beautiful gift from the people Japan that lines the Tidal Basin and brings together individuals from around the world. The architectural typeface on the jersey represents the city’s strength, while the tonal floral toile is a symbol of its beauty. The pink and ivory color palette, which evokes the feeling of spring in D.C., is set against a dark anthracite background. Cherry blossom petals and branches, as well as the city flag, are prominently displayed, showcasing the pride the Nationals have for their hometown.

The Orioles debuted their City Connect uniforms in 2023, turning to the people of Baltimore for inspiration. The inner tapestry design reflects the neighborhoods that make up the vibrant, bustling metropolis of more than 3 million people. The uniform celebrates the vision that the city and team share of colorful, color blind, vibrant and open community that celebrates differences and defends equal access to fundamental American freedoms.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nats.com/Tickets.