Looking at a few free agent options for back end of rotation

Looking at a few free agent options for back end of rotation
Time to take a look at a few more free agent starting pitchers. No, we are not looking at the very best, not even close, but diving into the much more shallow end of the pool. It's an attempt to be realistic here and not get too far ahead of ourselves. Will there be a day when the Orioles look to sign or trade for a top starting pitcher? We sure hope so, but we're not there yet. In recent posts here and here, we looked at six pitchers that MLBTradeRumors.com listed in the category of older...

Taking a closer look at some minor league free agents (updated)

Taking a closer look at some minor league free agents (updated)
No matter if baseball's Winter Meetings proceed as planned next month in Orlando, Fla., or are shelved while a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated, Orioles executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias will be keeping both eyes on the major and minor league free agent markets. Large sums of cash won't be spent, but there are ways to upgrade the roster and depth at the highest levels of the farm system. Venturing to the minor league side allows the Orioles to increase camp...

New CBA and old rotation concerns inhabit O's offseason

New CBA and old rotation concerns inhabit O's offseason
The Orioles can make plans and create lists and envision how to properly operate their offseason, but the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement sits on their shoulders. Never removed or forgotten. It's potential influence, a constant presence. A new CBA must be negotiated after Dec. 1. The first face-to-face session between Major League Baseball and union officials was held in August and included a proposal for a revised service time arrangement for arbitration-eligible...

Orioles spot starter still a secret

Orioles spot starter still a secret
The Orioles are going to need a spot starter for Saturday night at Camden Yards, the pitcher's identity withheld as they finish their series today in Seattle and board a flight home. Optioning left-hander Bruce Zimmermann has created an opening and the Orioles decided again to move it up, as they did after removing Dean Kremer from the roster. "Right now it's our friend TBA," manager Brandon Hyde said in today's Zoom call. This could indicate a bullpen game, the course chosen after Kremer...

More on Lowther's promotion to the Orioles

More on Lowther's promotion to the Orioles
Zac Lowther is in the bullpen this afternoon as the Orioles close out their series against the Athletics. Whether he stays there, and with the Orioles, can't be answered today. The Orioles recalled Lowther from the alternate training site in Bowie for a specific purpose this afternoon. "The need for somebody who can give us multiple innings," manager Brandon Hyde said in his Zoom call with the media. "And Zac being on roster, throwing the ball well at the alternate site, having a good...

Orioles lineup vs. Athletics (updated)

Orioles lineup vs. Athletics (updated)
The Orioles have sent out today's lineup ahead of their roster move, with left-hander Zac Lowther joining them from the alternate training site in Bowie and veteran lefty Wade LeBlanc being designated for assignment. The transaction will be announced shortly. Update: It was just announced. Lowther is wearing No. 59 and waiting to make his major league debut. Lowther will be in the bullpen this afternoon as the Orioles try to avoid a sweep and the Athletics attempt to run their winning streak...

Where will Orioles turn for offensive jolt?

Where will Orioles turn for offensive jolt?
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde didn't offer a long-term endorsement yesterday for the current group of hitters on the roster. You don't make promises while an offense keeps stalling. Reasons are highlighted, such as players pressing to be "the guy," as Hyde said, and the expansion of the strike zone. "We just have a lot of guys that are trying to make up for the start of the year with one at-bat," Hyde said via Zoom, "and that's not how it works." Many of the roster moves this month have...

Rain falls before Orioles do in 7-2 loss (Lowther joining O's)

Rain falls before Orioles do in 7-2 loss (Lowther joining O's)
The Orioles are recalling pitching prospect Zac Lowther from the alternate training site in Bowie, according to an industry source, and he'll be available in the bullpen for Sunday afternoon's series finale against the Athletics. Wade LeBlanc, who started tonight, will be designated for assignment to create roster space. Lowther, who turns 25 on Friday, is the No. 11 prospect in the system, according to MLBPipeline.com, and he's on the verge of making his major league debut. The Orioles...

Akin unavailable to pitch after receiving stitches in finger

Akin unavailable to pitch after receiving stitches in finger
Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin lost his chance to come back to the majors for a spot start after cutting his left index finger in a kitchen accident that required stitches. Manager Brandon Hyde confirmed the injury earlier today in his Zoom call with the media. Wade LeBlanc got the assignment tonight with Akin unavailable as an option. Hyde said Akin sliced the finger after breakfast. "He's got stitches for a week to 10 days," Hyde said. "It was somebody that we would have probably considered...

Orioles lineup vs. Athletics

Orioles lineup vs. Athletics
Left-hander Wade LeBlanc is making tonight's start against the Athletics at Camden Yards, his first in 2021 after five relief appearances. LeBlanc hasn't thrown more than 24 pitches or exceeded 1 1/3 innings since the Orioles broke camp. There's going to be some baton passing, perhaps in the rain. In 10 career appearances against the Athletics, LeBlanc has gone 3-1 with a 4.40 ERA and 1.234 WHIP in 47 innings. DJ Stewart is in right field again tonight and Austin Hays is starting in left....

Updating rotation plans and more

Updating rotation plans and more
The Orioles are pushing back John Means to Sunday afternoon against the Athletics and waiting until later tonight to choose Saturday's starter. The options are a bullpen game or recalling a pitcher from the alternate training site in Bowie. "Just going to give John an extra day," manager Brandon Hyde said today in his Zoom call. Means will get a full week with his most recent outing Sunday against the Rangers. Normal rest would have put him on the mound tonight, but the Orioles had two...

O's win at Texas was led by previously struggling players (with quotes)

O's win at Texas was led by previously struggling players (with quotes)
It was not just that the Orioles produced a comeback win in Texas, one that gives them a series victory. It was how they did it and who was responsible that was also quite big. Struggling Trey Mancini lined a go-ahead double in the eighth. Right-hander Dean Kremer, who had a 10.50 ERA at game time, pitched a strong game on three days' rest. Shortstop Freddy Galvis had four hits and started one sensational double play. And the improving Orioles bullpen had another good night. And down by 1-0...

Kremer starts Saturday, Hays nearing return and more

Kremer starts Saturday, Hays nearing return and more
The Orioles have filled out their rotation for the weekend series in Texas and Dean Kremer is replacing TBD for Saturday night. Kremer is working on short rest after starting Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mariners, but he threw 54 pitches and has indicated that he's feeling good. Otherwise, the Orioles could have selected one of their long relievers, with the candidates including Wade LeBlanc and Adam Plutko. "We feel confident that he's going to be fine for it," said...

Hyde on Kremer, Sceroler and celebrating Jackie Robinson Day

Hyde on Kremer, Sceroler and celebrating Jackie Robinson Day
The 54 pitches thrown by Dean Kremer in Tuesday's doubleheader may not preclude him from starting again on short rest in Texas. Manager Brandon Hyde is listing Saturday's starter as TBD, but Kremer is a possibility. Kremer worked three innings in Tuesday's second game. "We're considering Dean, as well as some other options," Hyde said this morning in his Zoom call with the media. "We're going to talk it over a little bit more today and tomorrow, just because he only threw 54 pitches and...

Urías' first career walk-off hit gives Orioles split (updated)

Urías' first career walk-off hit gives Orioles split (updated)
The eight-pitch first inning tonight, the ease in which Dean Kremer handled the Mariners, didn't establish a tone for his start. Didn't offer any hints or clues. Just provided a reminder of how good he can be - and where the Orioles want to get him. Kyle Seager's sacrifice fly and a three-run homer by José Marmolejos in the third set up Kremer for another short outing, but it also didn't define Game 2. Too much happened after he left. There was a comeback, which included Cedric Mullins'...

O's pick up a walk-off win and a doubleheader split

O's pick up a walk-off win and a doubleheader split
Down 4-0 in the last of the third in Game 2 of tonight's doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners, the Orioles were in desperate need of a break. They got a couple in that third inning that were big, but got another one in the last of the seventh to produce the season's first walk-off win. Ramón Urías' RBI single to center with two outs gave the O's a 7-6 win and doubleheader split. Leading 6-4, the Orioles got tied up 6-6 in the top of the seventh, the scheduled last inning of the...

Mountcastle lowered to sixth in order (game postponed)

Mountcastle lowered to sixth in order (game postponed)
An opposing left-handed starter didn't tempt manager Brandon Hyde to keep Ryan Mountcastle as the cleanup hitter. Mountcastle has been lowered to sixth in the order tonight against the Mariners' Justus Sheffield. He batted fourth in eight of nine games. Though he's doubled twice and homered this month, Mountcastle is 7-for-38 (.184) with a .541 OPS and 17 strikeouts that lead the majors. He's 3-for-18 with nine strikeouts in the last four games. Mountcastle doubled in his second at-bat...

Hyde on Tate: "The stuff is there"

Hyde on Tate: "The stuff is there"
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde ran through five relievers last night in an extra-inning loss to the Red Sox. Dillon Tate wasn't intended to be among them, his rest period ruined by circumstances. César Valdez fumbled a save opportunity and Tate was handed the ball in the 10th. He retired one batter, on a fly ball from Kiké Hernandez that pushed center fielder Cedric Mullins near the fence. A wild pitch broke the tie. Back-to-back walks sent Tate to the dugout. Christian Vázquez's...

Mancini homer can't cover for lost lead in 6-4 loss

Mancini homer can't cover for lost lead in 6-4 loss
A major league debut played in an empty ballpark last summer felt strange to Orioles left-hander Bruce Zimmermann. An occasion to celebrate, but without a guest list. Tonight's start was like a party with family and friends. Dozens of them. The Orioles could have moved the game to his parents' backyard. Either way, there's good barbeque. The Baltimore native and Loyola Blakefield graduate received a huge ovation upon his introduction and again after striking out Red Sox cleanup hitter...

Kremer leaves early, Orioles avoid shutout in ninth (updated)

Kremer leaves early, Orioles avoid shutout in ninth (updated)
Dean Kremer's three most important pitches tonight didn't require a batter or plate umpire. His line and the score wouldn't be impacted. He did, however, draw a small crowd near the mound. An unexpected pod. Aaron Judge lined a fastball up the middle that slammed off the back of Kremer's leg in the first inning, threatening the rookie's start just two batters into the game. An exit velocity near 110 mph could have sent Kremer to the clubhouse almost as quickly. But Kremer convinced manager...