Pitchers have been working out for almost two weeks, and position players reported to start this week. Now, it all begins to push forward, as the first Orioles spring training game is tomorrow afternoon against the Boston Red Sox.
Today marks the final day of full squad workouts before the games take over. It was a day of updates and progression for players.
Kyle Bradish, who is on a throwing progression as he recovers from a UCL sprain, will increase his throwing distance from 75 feet to 90 feet on Saturday, which would be his fifth throwing session.
The good news is that there is no discomfort or setbacks. This is all taking place on flat ground, so the next step of pitching off a mound is still a little ways off. We do know Bradish will start the season on the injured list as he works his way back.
Dillon Tate pitched his second live batting practice. Tate is trying to return to his 2022 form that made him a dependable and lock down late-inning arm.
Tate missed the 2023 season after recovering from elbow and forearm injuries. He would face six batters today, giving up a single to Adley Rutschman while retiring the other five, including a strikeout of Kyle Stowers.
“So far, so good. The movement is there on all the pitches that I want. At this point, I feel like I need to do a better job just landing my other pitches for strikes. Some I feel better than others right now, but landing the other pitches for strikes.”
– Dillon Tate on how he currently feels
Newly acquired right-hander Kaleb Ort was on the mound as well today. He is working with other pitchers to expand his repertoire and become a more rounded releiver. Ort worked on his changeup today, using it to strike out Anthony Santander.
Dean Kremer got some work in today with James McCann. Two innings of work resulted in three grounders and a fly ball in the first inning and two line drives, a walk and a single in the second inning of work.
Matt Krook also worked an inning today, with Stowers taking a hard liner to center on a full count.
It was announced that Adley Rutschman will be behind the plate to start Saturday’s game against the Red Sox. Corbin Burnes will be the starter for the game.
“New experience for both of us, and I’m excited for it. It’s elite stuff, and his process is extremely good. You can tell that he knows exactly what he’s doing. It makes everything easier on my part because I’m just kind of there to listen and absorb.”
– Adley Rutschman on working with Corbin Burnes
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said most the regulars will be playing in Saturday’s exhibition opener. He also stated that the regulars will be playing every other day or so.
Split squad games will begin on Monday, earlier than Hyde wants. The Orioles will host the Tampa Bay Rays in one game while also traveling to North Port to play the Atlanta Braves.
The Chicago White Sox claimed outfielder Peyton Burdick off waivers this afternoon after he was designated for assignment by the O’s to make room for Ort on the 40-man roster.
The Orioles reported today that according to the Sarasota County Government’s annual economic report, that from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, the club generated more than $72 million in economic impact while creating more than 970 jobs. It also added that the Orioles have generated more than $86 million in economic revenue and added over 1,000 jobs for the state of Florida.
The Orioles also announced their announcing team for the season, which included new edition Ben Wagner, who previously worked with the Toronto Blue Jays for the past six years.
Exhibition games begin tomorrow, signaling the end of training camp. The roster will begin to take shape, as the Birds will have to trim the roster from 62 to 40 while also readying their 26-man Opening Day roster.
https://x.com/masnOrioles/status/1761082076424519780?s=20
That’s going to do it for this spring’s SpringNotes series. We’d like to thank you for tuning in throughout O’s camp for all the updates and news.
What are you most excited to see in tomorrow’s start of games? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Stephen’s content? Follow him on X – @SRJHeckman, and listen to the official podcast of The Baltimore Battery, The Final Strike, anywhere you get your podcasts!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment