Durable young starters led much improved pitching staff this season
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
If the Nationals want to point to only one clearly positive development from their just-completed season, the answer is simple: Improved pitching, especially in the rotation, especially from a group of young starters. MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker and DJ Herz may not have been dominant – though all exhibited moments of dominance along
Very few games are "must-win," but Orioles have one today
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After Orioles starting pitchers covered just eight innings in the 2023 American League Division Series versus Texas, O’s 2024 ace Corbin Burnes matched that innings total in one night. He was that good. But even giving up one run was too many on this night as the Orioles were held to five hits, went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and were
Eflin ready for Game 2 challenge with Orioles on brink of Wild Card elimination
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The long-assumed Orioles starter for today’s Game 2 of the Wild Card series became official last night. Manager Brandon Hyde, without a drum roll in the interview room, announced that Zach Eflin would pitch. The reasoning behind the delay might remain a secret. The outcome of Game 1 was cited as a reason. Did that imply that a win over the Royals m
A few quick takes as the Orioles lose Game 1 to Kansas City
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It was the pitcher’s duel that many expected. It was a game where one run was scored and today the visitors got it. The Orioles' playoff losing streak, dating to 2014, reached nine today as they lost 1-0 to Kansas City on Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single in the top of the sixth. O’s starter Corbin Burnes, who allowed one run over eight innings plus, was
Orioles' bats can't support Burnes in 1-0 loss in Game 1 of Wild Card series (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Corbin Burnes threw his last warmup pitch, stepped off the mound, turned his back to home plate and settled into a crouch before his catcher could do it. With his head lowered, he chose a crowded venue to hold a private moment. Burnes finally stood, faced home plate and owned it again. This is why the Orioles traded for him. To start on Opening Day
O's game blog: The Wild Card round opener, Orioles versus Kansas City
Steve Melewski
Orioles
In the postseason in two straight years for the first time since 1996 and 1997, the Orioles host the Kansas City Royals today in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card round. It’s a best two-of-three series with the Orioles hosting two games and all three, if necessary. For what it’s worth, since the 12-team MLB playoff format started with the 202
O'Hearn: "We want to do something special together"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Ryan O’Hearn is treating today like it’s the first game of the Wild Card round. He’s being literal. He denies any motivation to get back at the Royals, who drafted him in 2014 and kept him in the majors for five seasons before the cash considerations trade with the Orioles in January 2023. That’s his story, and he’s playfully sticking to it. “Obvio
Ripken partnering with Attain Sports in ownership of Aberdeen IronBirds
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The High-A Aberdeen IronBirds will operate under different ownership in 2025. Cal Ripken Jr., 64. has sold his majority stake in the Orioles’ affiliate. However, the Hall of Famer and brother Bill, a former major league infielder and current MLB Network analyst, will remain part of the ownership group. Attain Sports, led by minor league baseball op
A few notes and quotes as game time approaches
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Now that the Orioles survived a rocky second half, one where they needed to win their final three games to play .500 ball (33-33), manager Brandon Hyde hopes the team gains something from the adversity. “I’m hoping it makes us tougher honestly,” Hyde said Monday at Camden Yards. “The adversity our guys went through this year, I hope it benefits us
Orioles and Royals lineups, notes on O's Wild Card roster
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The start of the 2023 postseason for the Orioles included the shocking news that John Means wouldn’t make the Division Series roster due to elbow soreness that followed his appearance in an intrasquad game at Camden Yards. The club didn’t share anything of that magnitude this morning, but the inclusion of Colin Selby in the bullpen came as a surpri