Baltimore Orioles – The Baltimore Battery

Sizing up Orioles’ “Core 4”

With the Orioles having one of the most exciting, young teams in baseball, our Kyle April lists the team’s “Core Four” as they head into years of contention:

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:

Orioles start August with plethora of roster moves

The Orioles organization has undergone many roster moves, both at the major and minor league levels. Our Zack Bucklew reports on some of those moves:

Late night droppings: D.L. Hall is ready for the call

After striking out a career-high 14 in his last start for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, is D.L. Hall officially ready for the bigs? Justin Sutphin dives deep to explain why the time is now for the O’s top prospect:

Rutschman promotion mostly guesswork for now

Adley Rutschman’s promotion to the big leagues is quickly upon us! But when exactly will that day be? Steve Katz tells us how it’s anyone’s guess at this point in time:

Baseball Cards – A different kind of history

Wayland Abernathy III guides us through the history of baseball cards, while sharing his own story with them and giving readers a chance to follow along with an Orioles baseball card checklist!

Cedric Mullins had career-year while battling health issue

Baltimore Orioles All-Star center fielder Cedric Mullins has revealed that he has dealt with Crohn’s disease since November of 2020.
Jared Watson reports:

Numbers Game: Stats don’t lie

Statistics and analytics are ever-so prevalent in today’s game of baseball. But how did the 2021 Baltimore Orioles fair against MLB league average numbers? Wayland Abernathy III reports:

Baltimore Orioles sports cards & other goodies

There is a lot of stuff out there… If you are here, you already know a few things about the Baltimore Orioles.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

OPINION-BASED: Back in 2018, the Baltimore Orioles entered one of the dreaded stretches any fan hates to hear: REBUILD.

Say it ain’t so, Raffy!

Some of the most die hard Baltimore Orioles fans can think back to a day when we had one of the best first basemen in the modern era.

Henderson, Brnovich, & more promoted, O’s farm system continues to push prospects through

The Baltimore Orioles have had a busy season sending the taxi and plane back-and-forth between minor league affiliates and the big leagues. This week was no different, as the minor league clubs saw some important transactions take place in the farm system.

Planeta: Small time to national spotlight

Most of America who swoon over reality television might find their favorite current show, ‘The Bachelorette’, starting off with some well placed, professional, and successful men. What most may not realize, outside some of the most die hard fans, is one of our very own former Baby Birds has made an appearance and advanced pastContinue reading “Planeta: Small time to national spotlight”

Gunnar Henderson paves way into MLB Top-100 Prospect List

The MLB Top-100 Prospect List by MLB Pipeline is ever changing. To start the 2021 season, the Orioles had four players on that list; No. 2 Adley Rutschman, No. 21 Grayson Rodriguez, No. 56 Heston Kjerstad, and No. 57 DL Hall. Now after two weeks into the minor league season, the list now features anotherContinue reading “Gunnar Henderson paves way into MLB Top-100 Prospect List”

Anthony Santander to join Double-A Bowie on rehab assignment

After suffering a high ankle sprain against the Miami Marlins April 20, Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander will join the Double-A Bowie Baysox tomorrow on his first rehab assignment since his injury.

Orioles win series against Texas, run short of sweep: Series Recap 4/16/21 – 4/18/21

The Orioles used some late game heroics to take the first two games of their first series at Globe Life Field, before dropping game three in 10 innings.

Prospect Profiles 2021: INF Jahmai Jones

Up next on The Baltimore Battery’s Prospect Profiles series is the newest member of the farm system, second baseman Jahmai Jones!

Prospect Profiles 2021: LHP Alex Wells

Coming up next on our Prospect Profiles series is the O’s No. 20 overall prospect, the left-hander from Australia, Alex Wells!

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.

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!

Orioles sign former All-Star Matt Harvey to minor league deal

The Orioles have decided to roll the dice on another former All-Star, signing right-handed pitcher Matt Harvey to a minor league deal, just 10 days after signing Félix Hernández to a similar deal. Harvey, a former Met, Red, Angel, and Royal will make $1 million if he makes the team.

Orioles sign shortstop Freddy Galvis to 1-year deal

The Baltimore Orioles announced Tuesday night that veteran infielder Freddy Galvis will be joining the team on a one-year, $1.5 million contract. In order to make room for Galvis on the 40-man roster, Chris Shaw was designated for assignment.

Prospect Profiles 2021: INF Rylan Bannon

Up next on The Baltimore Battery’s Prospect Profiles series is 24-year-old infielder, Rylan Bannon!

Happy Birthday, Brady Anderson: Greatest leadoff hitter in O’s history

Today is the one and only Brady Anderson’s birthday, so we at The Baltimore Battery wanted to take a deep dive into the impressive career of Baltimore’s favorite leadoff man! Let’s take a look back at the amazing career of the birthday boy!

Prospect Profiles 2021: RHP Garrett Stallings

Up next on The Baltimore Battery’s Prospect Profiles 2021 series is recently acquired right-handed pitcher, 23-year-old Garrett Stallings!

Prospect Profiles 2021: RHP Kyle Bradish

Up next on The Baltimore Battery Prospect Profiles 2021 series is 24-year-old right-hander, Kyle Bradish!

Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 4 – Numbers and stats and data, O’ my!

In his 1907 work, Chapters from My Autobiography, Mark Twain popularized the now familiar quote, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

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 claim RHP Ashton Goudeau, outright Austin Wynns

The O’s begin the 2020 Winter Meetings with a roster move, claiming right-handed reliever Ashton Goudeau from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

O’s trade José Iglesias to Angels

The Orioles made a surprise move and shipped one of their top batters from last season to Los Angeles. Ken Rosenthal was first to report the José Iglesias trade:

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.

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.

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox: 9/24/20

José Iglesias returns to the Baltimore lineup tonight, as the Orioles look to avoid a three-game sweep against Boston at Fenway Park. The O’s lost game one 8-3 and game two 9-1.

Orioles vs. Red Sox lineup: 9/23/2020

The Orioles’ defense failed them in last evening’s 8-3 loss, as the Red Sox scored two runs on three errors, and Evan Phillips gave up three runs without getting an out. With the loss, the Orioles have been officially eliminated from playoff contention at 23-32 with five games left in the season.

Orioles look to bounce back against Rays: Lineup 9/17/20

After dropping a doubleheader yesterday to the Rays, the Orioles look to bounce back tonight at Camden Yards.

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 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 vs. Braves: Series Preview 9/14/20 – 9/16/20

The Orioles’ playoff hopes were dealt a huge blow this weekend when the Yankees hit them with four straight losses. The team will look to get up off the mat this week, when the National-League-East-leading Atlanta Braves visit for a three-game series at Camden Yards.

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.

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.

Orioles vs. Yankees: Series Preview 9/4-9/6

After splitting a two-game series with one New York team, the Mets, the Orioles welcome the New York Yankees to Camden Yards for a four-game set beginning with a doubleheader on Friday.

Ryan Mountcastle: Future is now

For months Orioles fans begged and begged for star prospect Ryan Mountcastle to be called up to the Majors; on Aug. 21, that wish came true, and he has lived up to expectations thus far.

Orioles lineup vs. Mets, 9/2/2020

The Oriole offense came alive last night, as they continued to ride the hot bats of Anthony Santander and Renato Núñez to a 9-5 victory over the Mets.

Orioles lineup vs. Mets: Tuesday, 9/1/2020

Despite the fact that they possess a worse overall record, the New York Metropolitans (15-20) come to Baltimore (15-19) tonight with their sights set on making the playoffs.

Orioles vs. Mets: Series Preview 9/1-9/2

The Orioles were able to salvage one game of their weekend series with the Blue Jays, but in the world of Major League Baseball, there is no rest for the weary. The Birds are back at Camden Yards for a two-game set with the Mets and a familiar face. Among the flurry of trade deadlineContinue reading “Orioles vs. Mets: Series Preview 9/1-9/2”

Orioles deal Miguel Castro, acquire prospect Kevin Smith at Trade Deadline

Just before the MLB Trade Deadline passed at 4 p.m., Aug. 31, the Baltimore Orioles made a move to acquire left-handed pitcher Kevin Smith from the New York Mets. The Orioles shipped relief pitcher Miguel Castro to New York in exchange for Smith. This trade concludes a month in which the O’s made four separateContinue reading “Orioles deal Miguel Castro, acquire prospect Kevin Smith at Trade Deadline”

Mychal Givens traded to Colorado Rockies

The Orioles are starting to clear house, as they have traded Tommy Milone to the Atlanta Braves and now Mychal Givens to the Colorado Rockies, according to Jon Heyman.

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/29/20

After a heartbreaking loss in extra innings last night, the O’s try to turn it around in game two against the Blue Jays tonight.

Orioles lineup Friday, August 28, 2020, vs. Toronto (6:37 pm EDT)

Tonight, the Orioles head north, but not quite as far north as the title above suggests. Although the Blue Jays were cleared by city and provincial governments to play their home games in Toronto’s Rogers Centre (still thought of as the “Skydome” by traditionalists like myself), the Canadian government denied their request. Thus, the O’sContinue reading “Orioles lineup Friday, August 28, 2020, vs. Toronto (6:37 pm EDT)”

Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Series Preview 8/28 – 8/30

After losing two straight to the Rays and postponing their game on Thursday, the Orioles travel to Buffalo this weekend to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game series.

Orioles drop 2 games against Rays, Thursday’s series finale postponed: Series Recap 8/25/20 – 8/27/20

Baltimore lost two close games to Tampa Bay in a quick road trip to Tropicana Field to fall to 14-16 on the season.

Orioles lineup Thursday, August 27, 2020, vs. Tampa Bay (6:40 pm EDT)

Tonight, the Orioles look to salvage the last game of a hard-fought series against the division-leading Rays. Tampa, despite battling a season-long injury plague (star center fielder Kevin Kiermier is the latest victim, leaving last night’s game with back spasms) has won 15 of 18 and surged into 1st place in the AL East.

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.

Orioles begin important road trip vs. Rays: Series Preview 8/25/20 – 8/27/20

The Orioles came back strong last week after a six-game losing streak to win two in a row versus the Boston Red Sox. The Birds will look to keep the momentum going this week, as they travel to Tampa to take on the red hot Rays. The Orioles enter the series at 14-14, four gamesContinue reading “Orioles begin important road trip vs. Rays: Series Preview 8/25/20 – 8/27/20”

Orioles lineup vs. Rays: 8/25/20

The Orioles look to keep up their winning ways, as they take on the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.

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.

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox: 8/23/20

After arguably the most exciting game of the year last night, the Orioles look to split this four-game series against the Red Sox with back-to-back wins.

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox, Dwight Smith Jr. DFA’d: 8/22/20

The Orioles look to end their week-long losing streak tonight, as they take on the Boston Red Sox in game three.

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox, Mountcastle promoted: 8/21/20

It’s an exciting day in Birdland, as the O’s take on the Boston Red Sox in game two action. But that isn’t the exciting part!

Orioles lineup vs Red Sox: 8/20/20

The Orioles look to get back in the win column, as they begin a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox tonight from beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Orioles vs. Red Sox: Series Preview 8/20/20 – 8/23/20

After a brutal sweep from the Toronto Blue Jays, the O’s look to get back to their winning ways in a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox! Here is a Battery Series Preview of what we can expect!

Orioles swept by Randal Grichuk, drop all three to Toronto

The Orioles have been swept in a three-game series against the Blue Jays this week, frustrating fans, as two of the games were very winnable if not for fundamental mistakes.

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

The Orioles look to prevent a series sweep from the Toronto Blue Jays, as they get ready to play game three this afternoon.

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/18/20

The Orioles look back to get in the win column tonight, as they face the Toronto Blue Jays in game two.

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/17/20

The Orioles begin a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight from beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Series Preview 8/17/20-8/19/20

The Orioles certainly provided some grit and exciting moments during the final two games against the Nationals this weekend, but ultimately lost the series. The Birds have little time to lick their wounds, however, as the Toronto Blue Jays come to town for a three-game set starting this evening.

Orioles lose 2 of 3 against Nats: Series Recap 8/14/20 – 8/16/20

The Orioles came into this weekend series against the Nats on an almost week-long winning streak, but that unfortunately came to a halt.

Orioles lineup vs. Nationals: 8/15/20

After stringing together a nice six-game win streak, the Orioles took one on the chin last evening, losing to the Nationals 15-3. The Birds will look to return to the win column tonight, as they send Asher Wojciechowski to the mound to face Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin.

Keegan Akin’s debut: Breakdown

For Keegan Akin, the Oriole’s No. 13 prospect, the wait is finally over. During Friday evenings brutal 15-3 loss to the Nationals, the 25-year-old from Michigan made his Major League debut, going three innings, striking out one and giving up three runs.

Why Bruce Banner is Chris Davis’ endgame and not The Incredible Hulk

Much has been made of Chris Davis’ unbelievable fall from grace. Most fans are aware of the tumbling batting average, the declining power and the rising strikeout numbers.

Orioles offense defies critics and frustrates opposing pitchers

The Orioles are off to a surprising start in the 2020 season. Experts say that this is a fluke and that the team is still at the bottom of the totem pole, but the stats say otherwise!

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 continue August momentum, sweep Phillies: Series Recap 8/11/20-8/13/20

The Orioles are turning heads around Major League Baseball the last few games! And guess what, Birdland? It’s time to bring out the brooms!

Orioles lineup vs. Phillies: 8/13/20

The Birds are flying high coming into this afternoon’s game against the Phillies, after taking the first two games in exciting fashion in Philadelphia.

Orioles lineup vs. Phillies: 8/12/20

After a bizarre and crazy game last night, the Orioles look to grab another win in Philadelphia.

Orioles lineup vs. Phillies: 8/11/20

The Orioles begin a three-game series in the City of Brotherly Love against the Philadelphia Phillies tonight.

3 reasons O’s start is no fluke (and one way it could get derailed)

In the 2020 world of COVID-19, it really seems as if anything is possible.

Orioles close in on sweep of Nationals, game 3 suspended: Series Recap 8/7/20-8/9/20

The Orioles entered a three-game series in Washington in dire need of igniting their bats following a brutal four-game sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins.

Orioles lineup vs. Nationals: 8/8/20

The Orioles look to keep their hot bats and solid pitching going, as they face the Washington Nationals in game two of a three-game series.

Orioles lineup vs. Nationals: 8/7/20

The Orioles look to get back in the win column (cue Joe Angel voice), as they face off against the World Series Champion Washington Nationals. Tommy Milone (0-1, 4.76 ERA) will face off against Aníbal Sánchez (0-1, 7.20 ERA) tonight in game one. The veteran lefty is coming off a no-decision, in which he pitchedContinue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Nationals: 8/7/20”

Orioles look to bounce back in Battle of the Beltway: Series Preview 8/7/20-8/9/20

It’s been an up-and-down start to the season for the O’s to say the least.

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.

Orioles lineup vs. Marlins: 8/6/20

The Orioles will look to avoid the four-game sweep against the Miami Marlins, as both teams will face off tonight at Camden Yards. Game time is set for 7:35 p.m. EST and will be aired on MASN. The O’s are still the away team due to these games being rescheduled from their previous matchups inContinue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Marlins: 8/6/20”