Our Stephen Heckman answers fan-submitted questions regarding the Orioles 2023 season, including Austin Hays’ future with the organization, the possibility of a six-man rotation and overall team record and postseason chances this year:
Author Archives: Stephen Heckman
Offense struggles in final spring game, O’s make roster moves
The Orioles wrapped up their Grapefruit League play, as they dropped their final game to the Cardinals. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game and has all the details on the latest roster moves, including Grayson Rodriguez and Jordan Westburg being sent to Triple-A:
Kremer strong in loss to Blue Jays
Our Stephen Heckman recaps today’s Orioles loss to the Blue Jays by highlighting key players and providing injury updates and comments from starter Dean Kremer, manager Brandon Hyde and more:
Irvin continues to produce, O’s beat Boston
Our Stephen Heckman recaps today’s Orioles victory over the Red Sox by highlighting key performers and providing comments from Anthony Santander, Félix Bautista and manager Brandon Hyde:
O’s split squads led by pitching, victorious in both games
Our Stephen Heckman recaps the Orioles’ split squad victories today by highlighting key performers, providing a crucial update on John Means and having comments from manager Brandon Hyde:
Kremer, Cowser lead O’s to victory over Twins
The O’s were led by the returning Dean Kremer and prospect Colton Cowser in their 5-3 victory over the Twins this afternoon! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, highlighting key players, has news and notes from camp and provides comments from Brandon Hyde:
Bautista shines in spring debut, O’s defeat Pirates 7-6
Félix Bautista looked dominant today in his first spring outing, as the O’s defeated the Pirates, 7-6! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, highlighting key players, provides updates on the latest injuries and has comments from Brandon Hyde:
O’s defeat Sox on backs of Rodriguez & Rutschman
The O’s defeated the Red Sox today thanks to lockdown pitching and timely hitting! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, highlighting key players, provides comments from Brandon Hyde and has updates on two lefty pitchers:
Jays add to Voth’s struggles, O’s lose 8-6
Austin Voth continued to struggle in the O’s 8-6 loss to the Blue Jays today. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, has comments from Brandon Hyde and provides updates on Félix Bautista, D.L. Hall and Joey Ortiz:
Kyle Bradish makes statement in O’s, Twins 5-5 tie
The Orioles and Twins ended their game in a tie, but Kyle Bradish was outstanding tonight on the mound! Our Stephen Heckman recaps Bradish’s outing, along with other key players, has post-game comments from Brandon Hyde and more:
Wells bounces back in O’s loss to Phillies
Tyler Wells bounced back on the mound for the O’s today, but the Phillies took this one by a score of 7-6. Our Stephen Heckman highlights key performers, provides updates on Terrin Vavra and minor league reassignments and has post-game comments from Brandon Hyde:
Power Surge: Mountcastle, Hays slug Orioles to win over Pirates
The O’s were clicking on all cylinders today, as they defeated the Pirates, 7-4. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the team, provides updates on a flux of O’s pitchers and post-game comments from Brandon Hyde:
O’s pitching shaky in loss to Twins
The Orioles dropped today’s game to the Twins, 7-6. Our Stephen Heckman breaks down key performs, including Grayson Rodriguez and Jackson Holliday, while providing the latest updates on John Means, Terrin Vavra and more:
Cowser, O’Hearn lead Orioles to walk-off victory
The Orioles defeated the Phillies in walk-off fashion today by a score of 10-7, thanks to Ryan O’Hearn’s three-run homer! Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the O’s and provides post-game comments from Cole Irvin, Anthony Santander and Brandon Hyde:
Where Orioles’ Rotation Battle Stands
The Orioles’ starting rotation is still at a point of uncertainty, with a wide range of guys fighting for a spot. Our Stephen Heckman provides updates on each pitcher’s performance thus far in spring:
Bradish strong again in O’s win over Rays
The O’s are back in the win column, as they beat the Rays by a score of 5-2 today from the Trop! Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the team today and provides injury updates on Terrin Vavra and Ryan Watson, along with post-game comments from Brandon Hyde:
Orioles come up short in Wells’ first spring outing
The O’s dropped a close one to the Braves today by a score of 3-2. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out today for the Birds and also provides updates on the statuses of Terrin Vavra, Nick Vespi and Félix Bautista:
Birds tie with Buccos in Gibson debut
The Orioles and Pirates ended their game in a 1-1 tie tonight, but the O’s pitching was phenominal. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the Birds tonight, provides side notes and has post-game comments from Dean Kremer, Kyle Gibson and manager Brandon Hyde:
What if Manny Machado was extended and not traded from Baltimore?
Our Stephen Heckman takes us through a “What if?” scenario, as he dives into what the Orioles could have looked like if Manny Machado was signed to an extension, rather than get traded:
Rodriguez backs hype in O’s loss to Tigers
The O’s dropped their game to the Tigers, but top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez shined on the mound. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, provides an update on D.L. Hall’s status and more:
Orioles drop third straight spring game to Blue Jays
The O’s dropped their third straight spring game today, as they lost to the Blue Jays, 2-1. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game and who stood out while providing side notes and post-game comments from Cole Irvin, Austin Voth and Brandon Hyde:
Bradish shines in Orioles’ 7-4 loss to Pirates
The Orioles dropped their second straight game today against the Pirates. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the O’s today and has post-game comments from Kyle Bradish, Gunnar Henderson and manager Brandon Hyde:
Third time isn’t charm, O’s lose to Rays 14-2
The Orioles dropped their third spring game against the Rays, 14-2. Our Stephen Heckman highlights key players and has post-game comments from Bruce Zimmermann and manager Brandon Hyde:
O’s continue hot start, take second spring game 10-6
The Orioles are in the win column once again, as they defeat the Tigers, 10-6! Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the O’s today, including comments from Dean Kremer, Terrin Vavra and manager Brandon Hyde:
Orioles face Tigers & former top prospect: Lineups and Notes
The O’s are back in action today, as they take on the Detroit Tigers from Lakeland, Florida! Our Stephen Heckman has your starting lineups, along with pregame news and notes:
Orioles baseball back with a bang, Birds defeat Twins 10-5
The Orioles won their Grapefruit League opener against the Twins, 10-5. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out today for the Birds, provides an update on Dillon Tate and has comments from manager Brandon Hyde:
O’s open Grapefruit League play against Twins: Lineups & Notes
Orioles baseball is officially back! Our Stephen Heckman has all the information for the Grapefruit League opener against the Twins, including starting lineups, pregame notes and more:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 9
Our Stephen Heckman gives us the latest updates from Orioles camp before the first spring game tomorrow, including the starting pitchers for the weekend and which players will fill the lineup for the opener:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 8
Our Stephen Heckman has all the updates from Orioles camp, including who Brandon Hyde announced as the starter for the Grapefruit League opener and much more:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 7
The first week of Orioles spring training camp is behind us, as our Stephen Heckman gives us updates on young arms like Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer and Cade Povich and much more:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 6
The Orioles had their first full squad workout today, as our Stephen Heckman updates us on who participated in live batting practice, how Jackson Holliday is fitting in and more:
O’s SpringNotes: Days 4 & 5
Our Stephen Heckman recaps all the news over the last two days of O’s spring camp, including an update on John Means and answers from O’s CEO John Angelos’ 40-minute media session from Sarasota:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 3
As day three of O’s spring training camp comes to a close, our Stephen Heckman recaps the day with updates on Félix Bautista’s status, players who took live batting practice and more:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 2
Our Stephen Heckman provides the latest news out of Orioles training camp, including D.L. Hall’s progression, possible closing scenarios for Cionel Pérez and Bryan Baker and much more:
O’s starting pitching overload: Good problem to have
With a surplus of pitchers looking to crack the starting rotation, the Orioles have depth that they haven’t had in recent years. Our Stephen Heckman goes over which candidates have an inside edge on making the rotation out of spring:
O’s SpringNotes: Day 1
With the first day of O’s workouts under way, our Stephen Heckman provides the latest news and updates, including the latest injury and contractual statuses around the organization:
Around the Nest: Edition 11 – Time for Orioles baseball
With pitchers and catchers set to report tomorrow for the Orioles, our Stephen Heckman reports on who has already arrived to camp in Sarasota and which spring storylines to keep an eye out for on this edition of Around the Nest:
Comparing Orioles prospects to current MLB players
Our Stephen Heckman dives deep to analyze Orioles’ prospects and the comparisons they possess with current big league players:
Kyle Stowers: Living amongst shadows
Orioles outfielder Kyle Stowers has graduated from prospect status and has been slightly overshadowed by the likes of Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Our Stephen Heckman explains how 2023 could be a breakout year for the lefty slugger, with a little consistent playing time:
Around the Nest: Edition 10 – Ever-growing roots of Angelos & Charm City
As the legal battle between the Angelos family ends, our Stephen Heckman looks back on the history of Peter Angelos and the impact he’s made on the Charm City:
Orioles announce non-roster invitees
The Orioles have announced their 2023 spring training non-roster invitees. Our Stephen Heckman breaks down the list and highlights key prospects invited:
Around the Nest: Edition 9 – Swirvin Irvin, jack-of-all-trades
Cole Irvin is Baltimore’s newest pitcher, but he is so much more. On this edition of Around the Nest, our Stephen Heckman showcases the amazing life of Swirvin Irvin and how he both gives back to the community and interacts with fans outside of the ballpark.
Battery Q&A 2023: Edition 1
On the first 2023 edition of Battery Q&A, our Stephen Heckman answers fan-submitted questions, such as how the O’s starting rotation will look out of spring training and the realistic odds of the team making the postseason in 2023:
Ryan Mountcastle: Cornerstone of O’s future
Ryan Mountcastle has been a key piece of the Orioles’ lineup over the past few seasons. Our Stephen Heckman explains why the powerful righty should be a cornerstone of the O’s future:
Orioles 2023 projected starting lineup & player stats
With the 2023 season approaching, the Orioles’ lineup is as strong as it’s been in years. Our Stephen Heckman projects what each member of the O’s lineup will do statistically this year:
Orioles flex prospect talent in latest Baseball America rankings
The Orioles have a league-leading eight prospects in Baseball America’s latest top 100 prospect rankings. Our Stephen Heckman dives in on each prospect who made the list:
Around the Nest: Edition 8 – Trey Mancini sticking to Birdland promises
Although he might not play for the Orioles any longer, Trey Mancini and The Trey Mancini Foundation are still giving back to the Baltimore community. Our Stephen Heckman details this relationship on this edition of Around the Nest:
O’s avoid arbitration with 5 of 6 eligible players
As reported Friday afternoon, the Orioles reached agreements with five of six players to avoid arbitration. Our Stephen Heckman breaks down each deal:
Around the Nest: Edition 7 – Birdland Caravan returns for 2023
The Birdland Caravan is back for 2023! Our Stephen Heckman provides you with all the details on each event coming to your community on this edition of Around the Nest:
5 Orioles who could be traded by Opening Day
The Orioles haven’t been big spenders in free agency this offseason, but will they be active in the trade market? Our Stephen Heckman has five O’s players who could be traded prior to Opening Day:
Around the Nest: Edition 6 – O’s ownership group partners to distribute meals for community
The Orioles deepened their involvement with the community when they announced they were partnering with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to focus on The Food Project. Our Stephen Heckman shows us what work is being done on this edition of Around the Nest:
Around the Nest: Edition 5 – McCanns make local hospital brighter this Christmas
New Orioles catcher James McCann and his wife Jessica’s twins were born seven weeks premature just over five years ago. Our Stephen Heckman has the story on how the McCanns are now giving back to the hospital and staff that helped them in their time of need on this edition of Around the Nest:
Orioles Christmas wishlist for 2023
It’s the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than making a 2023 Orioles wishlist. Our Stephen Heckman has six wishes for the O’s for the upcoming season:
Jorge Mateo: O’s placeholder or long-term solution?
The shortstop market in Major League Baseball has never been more expensive than it is right now, and that leaves us wondering: What does that mean for Jorge Mateo long-term? Our Stephen Heckman provides an in-depth answer:
Around the Nest: Edition 4 – David Hess won’t back down
Former O’s pitcher David Hess has gone through a lot over the last year after being diagnosed with cancer and having to go through chemotherapy. On this edition of Around the Nest, our Stephen Heckman covers Hess’ battle and how he’s using his situation to help others:
Mychal Givens returns to Orioles, signs 1-year deal
After being traded by the Orioles in 2020, right-hander Mychal Givens has returned to Baltimore on a one-year deal, with a mutual option for 2024. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:
Orioles sign Adam Frazier to 1-year deal
The Orioles have signed second baseman Adam Frazier to a one-year, $8 million deal. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:
(O’)pen letter to Orioles GM Mike Elias
With many Orioles fans scratching their heads due to the inactivity of the organization in the free agent market, our Stephen Heckman writes an open letter to GM Mike Elias, addressing his thoughts on the matter:
Around the Nest: Edition 3 – Gibson skrikes out more than just batters
Newly-signed Orioles pitcher Kyle Gibson held his annual Big League Blast event last month, which raised money for local food pantries. Our Stephen Heckman has the story on this week’s edition of Around the Nest:
The Heckman Opinion: Why all the upset?
The O’s have been quiet so far this offseason, and fans have a right to be upset and impatient after comments made by GM Mike Elias. Our Stephen Heckman gives a different perspective than the average fan might be having:
O’s continue to add depth, sign Nomar Mazara to minors deal
The Orioles are staying active in the Winter Meetings, as they have signed outfielder Nomar Mazara to a minor league deal. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:
Around the Nest: Edition 2 – Mateo ready to open up
After a breakout season in Baltimore, Jorge Mateo is preparing an event to discuss his season, working with his brother in the Dominican Republic and being a parent with an autistic child. Our Stephen Heckman has all the info on this edition of Around the Nest:
Around the Nest: Edition 1 – Brnovich gives back in time of need
On this first edition of Around the Nest, our Stephen Heckman highlights O’s prospect Kyle Brnovich giving back to his Florida community in a critical time of need:
O’s 3 big questions for 2023 season
With the offseason in full effect, our Stephen Heckman discusses three main questions the Orioles and their fans have heading into the 2023 season:
Brandon Hyde runner-up in BBWAA 2022 AL Manger of the Year vote
Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde finished second in the 2022 BBWAA American League Manger of the Year voting. Our Stephen Heckman has the details:
Baltimore Orioles 2022 season recap: Part 4 – Rookie production
In the final part of our four-part Orioles 2022 season recap, our Stephen Heckman showcases the class of outstanding O’s rookies and their impact in leading the Birds to a winning season:
O’s claim outfielder Daz Cameron off waivers
The Orioles have started the offseason by claiming outfielder Daz Cameron off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:
Case for Mateo: Why O’s shortstop should be Gold Glove finalist
Earlier this week, Rawlings released their 2022 Gold Glove Award finalists at the shortstop position, excluding O’s shortstop Jorge Mateo from the top-three. Our Stephen Heckman takes a closer look into Mateo’s ranks and makes a case as to why he should have been a finalist.
O’s claim veteran outfielder Jake Cave off waivers
The O’s have made their first move of the offseason, as they have claimed outfielder Jake Cave off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:
O’s look to clip Blue Jays’ wings in final series of 2022
The Orioles are back home from beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the last time this year, as they wrap up the 2022 season against the Toronto Blue Jays! Our Stephen Heckman has your final Series Preview of the season:
Orioles set to face Judge, AL East Champion Yankees in division match-up
The O’s are headed to the Bronx to play the 2022 AL East Champion New York Yankees for a three-game series! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
Despite struggles against Tigers, O’s postseason hopes alive
The O’s took a tough series loss to the Tigers, but still remain four games back of the third AL Wild Card spot. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the series from Camden Yards:
Battle of Birds: Orioles drop 2 of 3 to Jays
The O’s dropped a crucial three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, losing two of three from Rogers Centre. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the series:
Wild times in store: Orioles battle Blue Jays with postseaon hopes at stake
The Orioles head into their season-deciding series against the Toronto Blue Jays from Rogers Centre! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
Orioles sweep Nats: Take MASN Cup
The O’s put a couple curly W’s in the win column, as they swept the Nationals in a brief two-game series! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the exciting series from our Nation’s Capital:
Tides take series against RedBirds, win back-to-back series
The Tides took their series against the RedBirds, four games to two, as they near the final stretch of the 2022 Triple-A season! Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:
Aberdeen set to soar into postseason
The Aberdeen IronBirds are headed to the postseason, as they end their 2022 campaign with an impressive 78-54 record! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the 2022 IronBirds season:
Orioles finish homestand against Red Sox
The O’s are back in action, as they wrap up their homestand against the rival Boston Red Sox! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
Grayson Rodriguez: Return of baseball’s top pitching prospect
After three long months, the top pitching prospect in baseball, Grayson Rodriguez, has returned to game action, making rehab starts at both High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie! Our Stephen Heckman has all the details on the return of Gray-Rod:
O’s win series against A’s
The O’s took their fifth straight series this weekend, taking two of three from the Oakland Athletics! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the exciting series from OPACY:
Chaos Comin’: O’s set to battle A’s from OPACY
The O’s are back home in Baltimore, as they begin their 10-game home stand with a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
O’s catch Cleveland off Guard, complete 4-2 road trip
The O’s are absolutely red hot, as they took another series, this time against the Guardians! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the exciting series that caught Cleveland “off Guard”:
O’s call-up top prospect Gunnar Henderson for postseason push
The Orioles are officially calling up top prospect Gunnar Henderson to the big leagues just in time for their postseason push! Our Stephen Heckman reports all the details:
Tide steady: Norfolk splits series with Jacksonville
The Tides split their series with Jacksonville this past week, but look forward to a pair of new additions joining them this week! Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:
IronBirds soar by Blue Rocks for series victory
The IronBirds took yet another series, this time from the Wilmington Blue Rocks! Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:
Astros become latest victim of Orioles Magic, O’s take big series
The O’s have won their series against the best team in the American League, the Houston Astros, two games to one! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the big series from Minute Maid Park:
Orioles set to face Mancini & Astros for 3
The O’s are visiting an old friend in Houston, as they begin a huge road trip against the Astros! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
Orioles stymie ChiSox, take 2 of 3 from Camden Yards
The O’s fought hard, and it payed off, as they won their series against the Chicago White Sox, two games to one! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the exciting series:
Bulls sink Tides in 6-game set
The Tides still couldn’t get things rolling, dropping another series to the Durham Bulls. Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:
IronBirds ground Tourists
The IronBirds won their tough seven-game series against the Tourists this past week, as they continue their playoff push! Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:
O’s add to Red Sox’s woes, take 2 of 3 in series win
The O’s took the Little League Classic by storm and took their weekend series against the Red Sox, two games to one! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the exciting series:
Orioles battle Red Sox in AL East showdown
The O’s have a big weekend ahead of them, as they begin a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox from OPACY and Williamsport for the Little League Classic! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
O’s take series from Jays, 1.5 back of Wild Card spot
The Orioles took two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, with a make-up game match-up against the Cubs from OPACY set for this afternoon! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the series from Toronto:
Tides split series with Red Wings
The Tides still can’t seem to win a series, as they split their six-game set against the Red Wings this past week. Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:
IronBirds split series with Renegades
The IronBirds got back on track this week, splitting their series against the Renegades! Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:
Calling on Hall: D.L. Hall set to join Orioles in St. Petersburg
The Orioles have promoted No. 4 prospect, left-hander D.L. Hall, to the big leagues! Our Stephen Heckman reports:
O’s take series from Jays, move into Wild Card spot
The Orioles took their series against the Toronto Blue Jays, with game three postponed due to rain! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the exciting series:
Tides drop third straight series
The Tides continue struggle, dropping their third straight series, this time against Nashville. Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:
With tough schedule ahead, O’s host Blue Jays for 3
The O’s are heading into their biggest stretch of the season thus far, beginning with a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays from OPACY! Our Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:
Aberdeen soars to series victory over Blue Rocks
The IronBirds got back on their feet, winning their series against Wilmington this past week! Our Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball: