The final day of team workouts concluded with a mix of clarity and lingering uncertainty, as the Baltimore Orioles turn its attention to Friday’s Grapefruit League opener.
Much of the focus centered on Jordan Westburg, who has been sidelined since the start of camp with what was initially described as an oblique injury. Rumors of a possible elbow issue — and a recent MRI — have circulated, though manager Craig Albernaz offered little detail when asked.
“Just physically unable to go,” Albernaz said. “I just want to make sure that we do our due diligence and make sure Jordan has the best chance to play this year.”
While speculation persists, Albernaz confirmed that Trevor Rogers will start Friday’s spring opener against the New York Yankees. He declined to name the pitchers who will follow Rogers or outline when regulars will begin appearing in road games.
Nestor German and Jackson Kowar threw live batting practice Thursday. German, the organization’s No. 13 prospect, faced three hitters and impressed, inducing two groundouts and striking out Pete Alonso, who also took live at-bats alongside Silas Ardoin, José Barrero and Creed Williams.
“His stuff was real, you know?” Alonso said. “He had like a three, four-pitch mix. He had two different breaking balls. The splitter’s obviously what really was profound for me. The splitter was good. It just kept me honest with pretty much all of his other pitches. He looked really, really good.”
The day’s workload concluded with sliding drills that incorporated a slip-and-slide, blending fundamentals with a lighter moment before competition begins.
SIDE NOTES:
- The Orioles announced the return of the Birdland Summer Music Series, featuring Nelly on May 9 against the Athletics and an “I Love the 90s” concert — with Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Tag Team and Treach of Naughty By Nature — on Aug. 21 against the Rays
- Jason La Canfora has been relieved of his duties at 105.7 The Fan
- Aaron Judge will not be in the Yankees’ lineup for Friday’s game against the Orioles
Spring games begin tomorrow, marking the official start of exhibition play. In just two weeks, the World Baseball Classic will follow, as the roster decisions and regular season draw closer.
This wraps up the 2026 edition of SpringNotes as the season marches forward.
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