Statement from Orioles Chairman and CEO John Angelos and Mayor Brandon Scott
Statement from Orioles Chairman and CEO John Angelos and Mayor Brandon Scott
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The Orioles organization joins the City of Baltimore in support of today's decision by Major League Baseball to relocate the 2021 All-Star Game and MLB Draft. As the birthplace of civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall, we stand united with Commissioner Manfred in denouncing this malicious legislative effort to suppress voters in Georgia and other state legislatures. Baseball is our national pastime and preserving the right to vote is a pillar of our American democracy. The City of Baltimore and...
Reflecting on yesterday's opening day win in Boston
Reflecting on yesterday's opening day win in Boston
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Too soon to trend after one game? Manager Brandon Hyde's faith in Rio Ruiz as a second baseman was rewarded yesterday when the infielder ran down two shallow fly balls with over-the-shoulder catches in right and center, then made a diving stop and throw to rob Alex Verdugo in the seventh inning. Two innings at the position before yesterday. More to come as long as it's unsettled and the other options are utility players Pat Valaika and Ramón Urías. "Rio played outstanding at second...
Another look at the sixth opening day shutout in O's history
Another look at the sixth opening day shutout in O's history
Steve Melewski
Orioles
As far as opening day games go, this one was hard to beat. John Means was dealing, Trey Mancini officially returned to the sport and young Ryan Mountcastle came up with a clutch two-run double. The Orioles had their first win of the year and first shutout on opening day in 16 years. Means joined a list of five O's starters who took the ball in an opener where the team would go on to win by a shutout. * 1973, O's win 10-0 versus Milwaukee. Dave McNally pitched a three-hitter with no walks and...
Means, Mountcastle and Mancini make opening day memories
Means, Mountcastle and Mancini make opening day memories
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The first Orioles game of the 2021 season put John Means back on the mound and Trey Mancini in a lineup. Rio Ruiz at a new position and Major League Baseball closer to its old, familiar self. Take it. All of it. Whatever the final score. Means retired the last 18 batters he faced to complete seven scoreless innings. Mancini grounded into double plays in his first two at-bats and still was the most important player in the game with his inspiring comeback from Stage 3 colon cancer. Ruiz made a...
That was a gem: Means leads O's to shutout win at Boston
That was a gem: Means leads O's to shutout win at Boston
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Whether lefty John Means becomes a true ace pitcher for the Orioles in the future or not, he showed us today what one looks like. Means was absolutely dominant in a 3-0 win over the Red Sox on opening day in Boston. Means allowed one hit in seven scoreless innings as the Orioles recorded their first opening day shutout since 2005. Then they beat Oakland 4-0 as Rodrigo Lopez threw six scoreless innings. It was the sixth opening day shutout in club history. Means today became the first pitcher in...
Full series postponed, nine players now in quarantine (updated)
Full series postponed, nine players now in quarantine (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals' entire weekend series against the Mets was postponed today by Major League Baseball, with four players having officially tested positive for COVID-19 and six others (five players, one staff member) in mandatory quarantine after being designated close contacts. The postponement of all three scheduled games at Nationals Park wasn't a terribly surprising announcement, given the news of the last 24 hours, but it's nonetheless another disappointing development for both clubs, which...
Hyde on second base, Santander, opening day and more
Hyde on second base, Santander, opening day and more
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
How the Orioles handle second base in the early portion of the season is a fluid situation that begins this afternoon with Rio Ruiz making his first career start at the position in the regular season. A two-game audition late in camp has led to more opportunities. The length to be determined. Ruiz is the Orioles' third different opening day starter in a row at second base after Jonathan Schoop's run of five consecutive assignments. Jonathan Villar started in 2019 and Hanser Alberto last...
O's game blog: The 2021 season opener
O's game blog: The 2021 season opener
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles open their 68th season today when they play the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park. It is the start of a three-game series and season-opening six-game road trip that also takes the Orioles to Yankee Stadium before the April 8 home opener. That is also against Boston. The 2020 Orioles played 40 of their 60 games within the American League East. They went 5-5 against Boston, 4-6 versus Tampa Bay, 3-7 against New York and 2-8 versus Toronto. They went 5-14 in division road games. At 12-15...
Ryan Mountcastle excited to start first full season in MLB
Ryan Mountcastle excited to start first full season in MLB
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Ryan Mountcastle is ready for a special day: his first opening day in the major leagues. His first game last year was on Aug. 21. Today he is in the Orioles lineup as cleanup hitter and DH for the season opener at Boston. It's a big milestone. "Yeah, for sure," he said. "I've gone to big league spring training four or five times and I've gotten sent down every time. The first time I get to break with the club it's definitely a surreal moment and something I'll cherish, for sure." And...
Orioles and Red Sox opening day lineups and notes
Orioles and Red Sox opening day lineups and notes
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles' first lineup of 2021 today includes Rio Ruiz making his first career major league start at second base and Austin Hays playing left field. Ruiz started at second base in back-to-back exhibition games to close out the Grapefruit League schedule. Cedric Mullins is leading off and playing center field. Trey Mancini is batting second and playing first base and Anthony Santander is slotted behind him in right field. Left-hander John Means is making his first opening day start. His...