Justin Sutphin

O’s take on Boston in opening series at home: Series Preview 4/8/21 – 4/11/21

The Orioles avoided the sweep in the Bronx with a wild extra-inning finish to complete the first road trip of the year, thus bringing the team home for the home opener this afternoon!

Orioles take one of three from Yankees: Series Recap 4/5/2021 – 4/7/2021

After an opening series sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the Orioles headed south for a showdown with Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees.

Orioles vs. Yankees: Series Preview & Game 1 Lineups

After a clean sweep in Boston, the Orioles head to the Bronx for a three-game set against “The Evil Empire”, the New York Yankees.

O’s sweep Boston in series opener: Series Recap 4/2/21 – 4/4/21

There’s no better way to start a season than with a series sweep on the road. For the first time since 2017, the Orioles did just that, taking all three games of this first series over the Red Sox at Fenway.

Orioles vs. Red Sox Series Preview & Opening Day Lineups

It is finally here! Opening Day is here! We hope all you fans are as excited as we are here at The Baltimore Battery. But before we can kick off the season, we must bring our first series preview of the new season!

Mike Devereaux, JJ Hardy, Joe Angel, & Mo Gaba newest inductees into Orioles Hall of Fame

Earlier this week, the Orioles announced its three newest members of the team’s Hall of Fame. These inductees are former outfielder Mike Devereaux, former shortstop JJ Hardy, and former radio commentator Joe Angel.

Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 18 Kevin Smith

Since his hiring in 2018, Mike Elias has constantly loaded the Orioles farm system, mostly as returns from trades he has pulled off. Our No. 18 overall prospect is another one of those reruns; left-handed pitcher Kevin Smith.

Orioles announce plans for new player development facility in Dominican Republic

The Orioles have officially announced that the organization plans to develop a new state-of-the-art training facility in the Dominican Republic!

Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 6

The sun is shining, the days are longer, and baseball is near! Our Orioles are continuing to prepare for the upcoming 2021 season, and I am back to continue delivering some exciting news and updates! This is Monday Thoughts!

O’s legend Nick Markakis hangs up cleats after 15 seasons

Orioles legend Nick Markakis has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. No. 21 will forever be remembered in Birdland, and he’ll always be Mr. Consistency!

Camden Yards set to open with 25% capacity

Finally, the news we have all been waiting for! There will be fans in Baltimore in 2021! According to The Baltimore Sun, OPACY will operate at 25% capacity, allowing about 11,000 fans in attendance to start the season!

Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 5

O’, happy Monday! Our favorite day of the week is back, and so is Monday Thoughts on The Baltimore Battery. The Orioles have their first of two off days this spring, creating a perfect time for some O’s talk!

O’s affiliate teams announce 2021 coaching rosters

With the minor league season on the horizon, the Orioles have announced their coaching rosters for each of their minor league teams!

Former O’s skipper Joe Altobelli passes away at age 88

Throughout the history of the Baltimore Orioles, many managers have come and gone. Some forgotten, some never. One that will never be forgotten is “Mr. Baseball”, Joe Altobelli.

Orioles vs. Yankees: Lineup 3/2/21

The Orioles are set to see their division rivals, the New York Yankees, for the first time this spring. In a showdown of starting pitchers, who will be seeing each other again, John Means and Jordan Montgomery take the hill against each other this afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL.

Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 22 Ryan McKenna

Another outfielder? Really? Believe it or not, the Orioles have a nice outfielder brewing in their system, who is just about ready to see some major league time in 2021. This kid is named Ryan McKenna, and he’s up next on The Baltimore Battery’s Prospect Profiles series!

Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 4

Alas, it is finally here! Spring training has begun, and this will be the final Monday Thoughts article before exhibition games start this Sunday!

Bowie Baysox release schedule for 2021 season

Along with the rest of the Orioles affiliate teams, the Bowie Baysox finally released their 2021 schedule.

Orioles release 2021 schedule & Battery’s predictions

Finally, it is here! The 2021 schedule for the Orioles has been released. This 2021 season kicks off in Boston with a 2:10p.m. EST game Thursday, April 1.

Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 3

Happy Monday! We are back on Monday Thoughts, this time less than two weeks before pitchers and catchers report to Sarasota for spring training!

Orioles win arbitration case over Anthony Santander, set to earn $2.1 million

As an ongoing story over the last month, Anthony Santander and the Orioles were set for an arbitration case to determine the right fielder’s value for 2021. The Orioles won this case and will pay Santander $2.1 million, a mere $375,000 less than his asking price.

Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 25 Coby Mayo

We are back again on Prospect Profiles, this time highlighting one of the newer Baby Birds, 19-year-old third baseman Coby Mayo.

Wade LeBlanc back to O’s on minor league deal

In the later hours of the night, Mike Elias acquired an old Oriole who is in the later hours of his career. At 36 years old, Wade LeBlanc was signed backed to the Orioles on a minor league deal worth around $700,000.

Mike Elias snags Angels’ 7th overall prospect in Alex Cobb trade

Since his arrival, Mike Elias has been all about replenishing the farm system here in Baltimore. In order to do that, trading away some pieces that don’t fit the plan is necessary, and 33-year-old Alex Cobb is the next guy on Elias’ list to go, as he is heading to the Angels. In exchange, theContinue reading “Mike Elias snags Angels’ 7th overall prospect in Alex Cobb trade”

Richie Martin will have surgery, expected to return by March

According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, shortstop Richie Martin will undergo surgery on a broken hamate bone in his left wrist.

Former Norfolk Tides manager Ron Johnson dies from COVID-19

Ron Johnson, the winningest manager in Norfolk Tides history, has died due to complications from COVID-19. Johnson was 64 years old.

Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 2

Welcome back to The Baltimore Battery’s Monday Thoughts column! in the past week a whole bunch has happen within the Orioles organization, and I am here today to break all of that down for you guys! Without further ado, let’s get right into it 1. MASN is severely cut down due to budget cuts UndoubtedlyContinue reading “Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 2”

Orioles cut ties with bulk of MASN crew

A day after the announcement that long-time Orioles commentator Jim Hunter would not return, another bomb has been dropped on Oriole fans. According to an article in The Athletic, the Orioles have cut ties with a majority of the MASN crew, including the pre and post game shows.

Long-time Orioles announcer Jim Hunter not returning in 2021

Long-time Orioles announcer Jim Hunter will not have his contract renewed, ending a 24-year career with the O’s.

Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 1

Hello, Birdland! The Baltimore Battery’s Monday Thoughts column is back! Going into the 2021 season, we will deliver weekly news and updates, as well as insight on what we think the Orioles should be doing on and off the field. Basically, anything that interests us, we’ll talk about it!

O’s, Trey Mancini agree on 1-year deal to avoid arbitration

The Orioles and Trey Mancini have agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.75 million in order to avoid arbitration, according to the Orioles official twitter account.

Fredrick native, Branden Kline retires at age 25

Not too often do you get to see a home grown kid play for his very own home ball club, yet Branden Kline had that miraculous opportunity in 2019. However, at age 25, relief pitcher Branden Kline has decided to hang up the glove and call it a career The Frederick, MD native that isContinue reading “Fredrick native, Branden Kline retires at age 25”

Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 28 Cody Sedlock

To kick off 2021, The Baltimore Battery brings you the Orioles No. 28 overall prospect, RHP Cody Sedlock!

O’s hire Tony Mansolino as third base coach, complete coaching staff

Mike Elias and the Orioles filled their last coaching staff vacancy this past week, bringing in former Cleveland third base coach, Tony Mansolino, to continue the job in Baltimore.

O’s sign 4 players to minor league deals

Mike Elias and the Orioles have kept themselves busy so far this offseason, now adding four more players to minor league deals. Let’s dive right in!

Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 30 Luis Ortiz

Continuing our offseason coverage, the Baltimore Battery returns with our annual Prospect Profiles series, now highlighting the Orioles’ top 30 prospect for the 2021 season!

Orioles sign veteran relief pitcher Fernando Abad to minor league deal

Mike Elias added some veteran depth to the bullpen this morning, signing 34-year-old LHP Fernando Abad to a minor league contract.

Orioles make 2020 Rule 5 Draft selections

Orioles fans knew going into today that Mike Elias would make at least one selection in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, but the organization decided to select four young right-handed pitchers and a catcher this year.

O’s, Frederick Keys end affiliation; Keys now part of brand new Draft League

All of 2020, a monumental cloud that was looming over the heads of Oriole fans was the inevitable loss of the Orioles High-A team, the Frederick Keys. Unfortunately, that cloud just rained on us.

O’s, Pedro Severino agree to a 1-year, $1.825 million deal

Pedro Severino and the Orioles have agreed to a one-year deal that will avoid arbitration for the young catcher.

Orioles claim Chris Shaw off waivers; designate Thomas Eshelman for assignment

The Orioles made a few minor moves on Thanksgiving Eve. These moves consisted of designating RHP Thomas Eshelman for assignment and picking up infielder/outfielder Chris Shaw off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.

Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 1 – Position Player Breakdown

The 2020 MLB season was one we have never experienced before, and as fans and players alike, we hope it’s one we never see again. However, baseball was still played, and here at The Baltimore Battery, we have come to give readers an extensive breakdown of the 2020 season. This edition is the position playerContinue reading “Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 1 – Position Player Breakdown”

MLB owners approve John Angelos to take official leadership of O’s

The Angelos family has been a staple in Baltimore for many years. The family’s patriarch, Peter Angelos, has been running the Orioles since he bought them in 1993.

Chris Holt takes over pitching coach position

With Doug Brocail out of Baltimore, one of the big holes to be filled was the pitching coach position. Many fans wondered if the Elias crew would decide to look outside of the organization. However, it is clear Elias knew exactly who he wanted for the job.

Orioles pick up José Iglesias’ $3.5 mil option for 2021

Of the many surprises that the Orioles had in 2020, the dominance of one José Iglesias was surely the top of that list.

O’s claim infielder Yolmer Sánchez off waivers from White Sox

The Orioles front office has been busy so far in the new off-season, adding another player today. Yolmer Sánchez, formerly known as Carlos Sánchez, has been claimed off waivers after being let go by the Chicago White Sox.

Iglesias named SS finalist for All-MLB team; O’s sign multiple players to minor league deals; Hess free agent & more

With the off-season now upon us, the last string to the 2020 season is player awards. Although we know no Oriole player will be in the discussion for MVP, CY Young, or ROY, one of our guys has found a spot as a finalist for the All-MLB team.

O’s re-sign Stevie Wilkerson to minor league deal

As one of the first moves in the Orioles offseason, the Birds have decided to re-sign outfielder Stevie Wilkerson to a minor league deal, that also included an spring training invite. The only position player to ever record a save in a major league game, Wilkerson returns to a very overstuffed minor league outfield. MoreContinue reading “O’s re-sign Stevie Wilkerson to minor league deal”

O’s cut ties with José Flores and Doug Brocail

Just days after the end of the 2020 season that saw the Baltimore Orioles finish with an impressive 25-35 record, the club announced coaches José Flores and Doug Brocail will not return to the team next year.

O’s drop final series in Buffalo, finish season 25-35: Series Recap 9/25/20 – 9/27/20

There you have it folks. The 2020 season has come an end for the Baltimore Orioles. After finishing much better than anyone expected, we all can be happy at the things accomplished by the Orioles this season.

O’s take the field for the last time in 2020 in series finale against the Blue Jays: Lineups 9/27/20

After all the baseball world has been through in 2020, the final day of the season has finally come. A season finale many didn’t think would actually happen due to corona. Yet here we are as the Orioles are set to finish up the 2020 season in Buffalo against the Blue Jays. The Orioles haveContinue reading “O’s take the field for the last time in 2020 in series finale against the Blue Jays: Lineups 9/27/20”

John Means gets last start as O’s look to bounce back in game 2: Lineup 9/26/20

John Means gets to see the mound one more time this season, after turning things around in the second half of 2020. Means is 2-0 with a no decision in his last three starts. In those games, he has only allowed three runs and has pitched 17.2 innings, a big difference from the start ofContinue reading “John Means gets last start as O’s look to bounce back in game 2: Lineup 9/26/20”

O’s finish up 2020 season with 3 against Toronto: Series Preview 9/25/20 – 9/27/20

Now time for the final weekend of the season, the O’s have one more chance at the Blue Jays, as well as a chance at a 25-win season. At 24-33, the Birds will finish this season with more wins than anyone expected.

O’s make last visit to Fenway, drop 2 of 3: Series Recap 9/22/20 – 9/24/20

Going into Fenway for the last series against the Red Sox, both teams are out of playoff contention. More or less, this series was about securing fourth place, or if you are a part of the tank train, hoping to gain a better draft spot by losing this series.

O’s Begin Final Road Trip in Boston: Game One Lineups 9/22/20

At 23-31, the Baltimore Orioles travel to Fenway Park for the last time in 2020. In a battle of the two non playoff teams in the AL East, the Orioles have a chance to come out as 25 game winners with three games left. That would be better than most fans would have expected. SomeContinue reading “O’s Begin Final Road Trip in Boston: Game One Lineups 9/22/20”

O’s visit Boston for final series against Sox: Series Preview 9/22/20 – 9/24/20

With the end of the 2020 season quickly approaching in the rear view mirror, the Baltimore Orioles take to the road one last time to put an end to this chaotic season.

Orioles finish up 5-game set with AL-East-leading Rays: Series Recap 9/17/20 – 9/20/20

Following a solid series win against the Atlanta Braves, the Orioles were slated to finish the 2020 home season with five games against the deadly and poetic Tampa Bay Rays.

Victor Gonzalez named as trade piece in Miguel Castro deal; Shepherd released

As the trade deadline approached in August, the Orioles let go of a couple long-time Orioles in the bullpen. One of these players was Miguel Castro, who was sent to the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Kevin Smith and a player to be named later.

Os host Rays for 4th game in a row: Lineup 9/19/20

The Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays again Saturday night, their second to last home game on the season.

O’s and Rays finish August series, follow with 4-game set: Series Preview & Game 1 Lineup 9/17/20 – 9/20/20

The Baby Birds kick off their final leg of the last home stand for 2020 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Thursday consists of a doubleheader, with game one finishing a series back from August 27, when that final game was postponed. This current series begins with game two of the doubleheader, consisting of four gamesContinue reading “O’s and Rays finish August series, follow with 4-game set: Series Preview & Game 1 Lineup 9/17/20 – 9/20/20”

O’s snatch 2 of 3 from playoff-bound Braves: Series Recap 9/14/20 – 9/16/20

A little too late for a Wild Card push following a horrid series against the Yankees, the Orioles looked to bounce back against the Atlanta Braves, an even tougher opponent. But, were they able to do it?

O’s attempt to take series with Braves: Lineup 9/16/20

One night after dropping 14 runs on the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles fell scoreless in game two, as the offense was no where to be found.

O’s host Braves for Game 2: Lineup 9/15/20

With the final Wild Card spot now seemingly out of reach for the Orioles, they decided to explode offensively on Monday night, scoring 14 runs against the NL-East-leading Atlanta Braves.

Orioles swept by Yankees in 4 games: Series Recap 9/11/20 – 9/13/20

This series started a day late, as the rain forced the Orioles and Yankees into four games in three days. Coming into this series, the O’s trailed the Yankees for the Wild Card spot by just 1.5 games. After this series, however, that gap grew exponentially.

Orioles lineup vs. Yankees: 9/13/20

Sitting at 20-25, the Orioles look to take game four of this four-game set with hopes to avoid a series sweep.

Orioles vs Yankees Lineups: 9/12/20

After dropping both games of Friday’s double header, the Orioles head into game three against the Yankees , now trailing them 3.5 game for the wild card spot.

Orioles vs. Yankees Doubleheader Game 1: Lineup 9/11/20

Due to a rain out Thursday night, the Orioles and Yankees are now billed for a doubleheader, with game one beginning at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Orioles visit Yankees for crucial 4-game set: Series Preview and Game 1 Lineup 9/10/20-9/13/20

The O’s look to make a push for the postseason, but they have to go through the Bronx and defeat the Evil Empire to do it!

Orioles vs Mets lineups: 9/9/20

The Orioles come roaring into game two against the Mets following an 11 run night for the offense on Tuesday. Six batters had a multi hit game, the O’s hit four long balls, and Cedric Mullins was a HR shy of the cycle. Backed by a solid start by John Means, the Orioles continued theirContinue reading “Orioles vs Mets lineups: 9/9/20”

Orioles split series with Mets: Series Recap 9/8/20-9/9/20

NY state of mind, huh? The red hot Baltimore Orioles rode into Citi Field on Tuesday to begin a two game series against the Mets, which is part of an 11 game stretch against New York teams. The Birds got on the subway to Queens scorching hot having won their last 3 over the Yankees,Continue reading “Orioles split series with Mets: Series Recap 9/8/20-9/9/20”

Orioles vs. Mets: Lineup 9/8/20

The Orioles visit the New York Mets Tuesday evening, kicking off a two-game series to start the road trip.

Young O’s pitchers Kremer and Akin light up weekend series

Coming into the four-game series against the New York Yankees, the Orioles sat at 16-20 and had lost their last 18 to the Evil Empire. After trading away Mychal Givens, Miguel Castro and Tommy Milone, the Orioles pitching staff was looking much different.

Youngsters shine vs. Yankees; O’s take 3 of 4: Series Recap 9/4/20-9/6/20

The Baltimore Orioles entered this four-game set vs. the New York Yankees having lost their last 18 against the Evil Empire. Looking to turn things around, the Orioles also had a chance to be somewhat of a playoff spoiler for the Yankees. With the Rays comfortably ahead in the AL East, taking two, maybe threeContinue reading “Youngsters shine vs. Yankees; O’s take 3 of 4: Series Recap 9/4/20-9/6/20”

Dean Kremer called up for first start, O’s vs Yanks lineups: 9/6/2020

The Orioles and Yankees put an end to this four-game set today, with the Birds in a position to snag the series win. Following a beautiful starting outing by LHP Keegan Akin, another young Orioles prospect gets the bump today, as RHP Dean Kremer gets his first start in the major leagues!

Orioles vs. Yankees lineup: 9/5/2020

The Orioles come off a doubleheader against the Yankees on Friday where they were finally able to snap the losing streak against the Yankees that stood at 19.

Orioles lineup vs. Yankees for game 1: 9/4/2020

The New York Yankees are coming to town, looking to continue their win streak against the Orioles. With the Rays comfortably ahead of the Yankees in the AL East with a lead of five games, the Orioles certainly would pick a good time to end that losing streak today in game one of this doubleheader.

Keegan Akin gets first MLB start, O’s vs. Blue Jays lineup: 8/31/2020

On the busiest day of the season, the 14-19 Baltimore Orioles look to avoid the break today, as they face off against the Toronto/Buffalo Blue Jays.

Trade season starts; Tommy Milone shipped to Atlanta

With the ever-growing shadow of the August 31 Trade Deadline looming above all of baseball, the Orioles have decided themselves as sellers and kicked off this trading season.

Orioles lineup vs. Rays: 8/26/2020

The Orioles go into game two of this three-game set against the Rays in Tampa, looking to even this series at one game a piece.

O’s split series with Sox: Series Recap 8/20-8/23

The struggling Baltimore Orioles hosted the Boston Red Sox for a four-game series starting on Thursday. Coming into this series having lost their last four and losing possession of third place in the A.L. East, the Orioles desperately needed some wins in this series.

Anthony Santander: O’s unlikely MVP

With many obstacles standing in the Orioles way in 2020, maybe none reached the heart of O’s fans quite as much as the news of Trey Mancini being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. The 2019 Orioles MVP, losing Mancini was a dagger in the heart off and on the field. So, what happens whenContinue reading “Anthony Santander: O’s unlikely MVP”

Orioles big 3 pivotal in hot start

2020 has been a year, although not over yet, that will go down in history for many things. In baseball, that is no different. To many people’s surprise, the Orioles are atop the A.L. and are continuing to win baseball games.

Orioles vs. Nationals: Series Preview 8/14/20 – 8/16/20

The red hot and under-appreciated Baltimore Orioles come home to start a three-game and some change series against the neighboring Washington Nationals.

Orioles offense goes missing in sweep from Marlins: Series Recap 8/4/20-8/6/20

The Orioles came out of the three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with heads held high. However, the Miami Marlins would come to town and shake that all up.

Rebuild check up: O’s moving along nicely

Now a little over two weeks into the start of this once in a lifetime 2020 MLB season, it finally feels like baseball season.

Richard Bleier traded to Marlins for player to be named later

Orioles left-handed reliever, Richard Bleier, has been shipped to the Miami Marlins, with a player to be named later as the return.

Orioles lose heartbreakers against Yankees: Series Recap 7/29-7/30

Following the postponement of the Orioles home opener against the Miami Marlins, the Orioles held their opener on Wednesday instead, hosting the powerhouse New York Yankees.

Stevie Wilkerson suffers fractured ring finger during diving catch

During the Orioles’ first exhibition game of this revamped spring training, Stevie Wilkerson picked up where he left off last season; making incredible catches in the outfield.

Richie Martin suffers broken wrist

According to Dan Connolly of The Athletic, shortstop Richie Martin fractured his right wrist during an intersquad game Friday.

MLB agrees to shortened 60-game season starting July 23 or 24

After months of disagreement, Rob Manfred has finally announced that the MLB will hold a shortened season starting July 23-24. Teams are to report to Spring Training 2.0 on July 1.

Trey Mancini speaks about cancer diagnosis

In a beautiful article posted on ThePlayersTribune.com, Trey Mancini himself wrote about his recent cancer diagnosis and how his love for baseball has helped him through.

Former Orioles Mark Reynolds and Steve Pearce call it quits

Now into mid-April with no baseball seen in the near future, two former Orioles decided to hang up their cleats. Mark Reynolds and Steve Pearce were short term residents here in Baltimore, but both assisted in playoff runs that we will never forget.

Battery Q&A: Edition 4

Happy Sunday, everyone! We at The Baltimore Battery hope everyone is enjoying their quarantine! Baseball season has yet to return, so we fill that void with The Baltimore Battery’s fourth edition of Battery Q&A!

Top 5 Orioles Opening Day memories

As we approach what would have been Opening Day 2020, we are forced to relish in memories of former Opening Days. For the Baltimore Orioles, there are many fond memories of Opening Day, and we at The Baltimore Battery have decided to show you our top 5 memories. 5. 1954: The Orioles first Opening DayContinue reading “Top 5 Orioles Opening Day memories”

Top 5 awkward Baltimore Oriole moments

With coronavirus suspending spring training and pushing back Opening Day, it’s safe to say this is a very awkward situation for the Orioles. Inspired by these events, The Baltimore Battery has decided to talk about our top 5 most awkward moments ever in Orioles baseball! Without further ado, let the awkwardness begin! 5. Brian MatuszContinue reading “Top 5 awkward Baltimore Oriole moments”

Spring training suspended; Opening Day pushed back at least 2 weeks

Amid the frenzied madness caused by the recent rise of the Coronavirus, Major League Baseball has decided to suspend spring training. The league will also push back the start of the regular season by at least two weeks, as said earlier today by Commisioner Rob Manfred.