Jake Rill
@jakerill.bsky.social
Orioles beat reporter for MLB.com
Reposted by Jake Rill
After an injury-plagued '25, Jordan Westburg is frustrated to be dealing with a tweaked oblique at the start of Spring Training '26.
"I felt like I was doing everything right, and here we are again."
An update from Westburg and more notes from O's camp: www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
"I felt like I was doing everything right, and here we are again."
An update from Westburg and more notes from O's camp: www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
After injury-filled '25, Westburg frustrated by oblique tweak: 'Here we are again'
SARASOTA, Fla. -- After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Jordan Westburg was hopeful for better health in '26. That's why it's even more frustrating for the soon-to-be 27-year-old infielder to be dealin...
www.mlb.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:08 PM
After an injury-plagued '25, Jordan Westburg is frustrated to be dealing with a tweaked oblique at the start of Spring Training '26.
"I felt like I was doing everything right, and here we are again."
An update from Westburg and more notes from O's camp: www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
"I felt like I was doing everything right, and here we are again."
An update from Westburg and more notes from O's camp: www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
“He’s a beast, like physically. … He works his ass off.”
New Orioles closer Ryan Helsley’s stuff has impressed early in camp — which was showcased during a strong session of live BP — but so has his work ethic, which was praised by his new manager.
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
New Orioles closer Ryan Helsley’s stuff has impressed early in camp — which was showcased during a strong session of live BP — but so has his work ethic, which was praised by his new manager.
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
New O's closer Helsley standing out with stuff, work ethic early in camp
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Félix Bautista stood off to the side of the Orioles’ new agility field at the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Thursday afternoon, his 6-foot-8, 285-pound frame easy to spot while watchin...
www.mlb.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:02 PM
“He’s a beast, like physically. … He works his ass off.”
New Orioles closer Ryan Helsley’s stuff has impressed early in camp — which was showcased during a strong session of live BP — but so has his work ethic, which was praised by his new manager.
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
New Orioles closer Ryan Helsley’s stuff has impressed early in camp — which was showcased during a strong session of live BP — but so has his work ethic, which was praised by his new manager.
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
A pitcher to keep an eye on this spring at Orioles camp: RHP Anthony Nunez.
24-year-old came over from Mets in Cedric Mullins trade, finished ‘25 at Triple-A Norfolk. Could appear on O’s updated Top 30 prospects list on MLB Pipeline later this year. Part of bullpen competition.
24-year-old came over from Mets in Cedric Mullins trade, finished ‘25 at Triple-A Norfolk. Could appear on O’s updated Top 30 prospects list on MLB Pipeline later this year. Part of bullpen competition.
February 13, 2026 at 6:09 PM
A pitcher to keep an eye on this spring at Orioles camp: RHP Anthony Nunez.
24-year-old came over from Mets in Cedric Mullins trade, finished ‘25 at Triple-A Norfolk. Could appear on O’s updated Top 30 prospects list on MLB Pipeline later this year. Part of bullpen competition.
24-year-old came over from Mets in Cedric Mullins trade, finished ‘25 at Triple-A Norfolk. Could appear on O’s updated Top 30 prospects list on MLB Pipeline later this year. Part of bullpen competition.
Jean Carlos Henriquez has issued a couple of walks and also hit a batter during this live BP, but the NRI righty has some good stuff.
Here he is setting down Orioles catching prospect Creed Willems on a called third strike:
Here he is setting down Orioles catching prospect Creed Willems on a called third strike:
February 13, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Jean Carlos Henriquez has issued a couple of walks and also hit a batter during this live BP, but the NRI righty has some good stuff.
Here he is setting down Orioles catching prospect Creed Willems on a called third strike:
Here he is setting down Orioles catching prospect Creed Willems on a called third strike:
Orioles have 2 groups of live BP today, and manager Craig Albernaz said some intriguing arms would be on backfield.
One is 32-year-old RHP Jean Carlos Henriquez, NRI who signed a Minor League deal in Nov.
Played DSL for Rays in ‘14-15, returned to baseball 10 years later in DR.
One is 32-year-old RHP Jean Carlos Henriquez, NRI who signed a Minor League deal in Nov.
Played DSL for Rays in ‘14-15, returned to baseball 10 years later in DR.
February 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Orioles have 2 groups of live BP today, and manager Craig Albernaz said some intriguing arms would be on backfield.
One is 32-year-old RHP Jean Carlos Henriquez, NRI who signed a Minor League deal in Nov.
Played DSL for Rays in ‘14-15, returned to baseball 10 years later in DR.
One is 32-year-old RHP Jean Carlos Henriquez, NRI who signed a Minor League deal in Nov.
Played DSL for Rays in ‘14-15, returned to baseball 10 years later in DR.
Creed Willems (Orioles’ No. 30 prospect per MLB Pipeline) is the overwhelming favorite for best hair in O’s camp this spring.
The 22-year-old catcher came over from Minor League camp a few times last year, but this is his first Spring Training as a full participant on MLB side.
The 22-year-old catcher came over from Minor League camp a few times last year, but this is his first Spring Training as a full participant on MLB side.
February 13, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Creed Willems (Orioles’ No. 30 prospect per MLB Pipeline) is the overwhelming favorite for best hair in O’s camp this spring.
The 22-year-old catcher came over from Minor League camp a few times last year, but this is his first Spring Training as a full participant on MLB side.
The 22-year-old catcher came over from Minor League camp a few times last year, but this is his first Spring Training as a full participant on MLB side.
Craig Albernaz said a theme of Orioles camp is “big dudes.” The 5-foot-8 manager will have plenty of shields for benches-clearing incidents.
“I’ll be hiding in the back behind them, coming out like a spider monkey. Because these guys are huge. Like the sneak attack approach.”
“I’ll be hiding in the back behind them, coming out like a spider monkey. Because these guys are huge. Like the sneak attack approach.”
February 13, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Craig Albernaz said a theme of Orioles camp is “big dudes.” The 5-foot-8 manager will have plenty of shields for benches-clearing incidents.
“I’ll be hiding in the back behind them, coming out like a spider monkey. Because these guys are huge. Like the sneak attack approach.”
“I’ll be hiding in the back behind them, coming out like a spider monkey. Because these guys are huge. Like the sneak attack approach.”
Jordan Westburg on Pete Alonso:
“I’ve been able to watch him work the past couple days, taking ground balls, and his work ethic is all that I’ve heard about. I’m excited to have him in the clubhouse, excited to work with him in the infield and just excited in general.”
“I’ve been able to watch him work the past couple days, taking ground balls, and his work ethic is all that I’ve heard about. I’m excited to have him in the clubhouse, excited to work with him in the infield and just excited in general.”
Pete Alonso has been heavily involved in PFPs here this morning at Orioles camp. Talked to all the pitchers before latest round of drills. Fielding a ton of grounders (including a nifty behind-the-back throw on one that I missed).
Now, he’s fielding grounders from his knees.
Now, he’s fielding grounders from his knees.
February 13, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Jordan Westburg on Pete Alonso:
“I’ve been able to watch him work the past couple days, taking ground balls, and his work ethic is all that I’ve heard about. I’m excited to have him in the clubhouse, excited to work with him in the infield and just excited in general.”
“I’ve been able to watch him work the past couple days, taking ground balls, and his work ethic is all that I’ve heard about. I’m excited to have him in the clubhouse, excited to work with him in the infield and just excited in general.”
Jordan Westburg said there was no particular event that caused his oblique issue, just woke up sore one morning. Got an MRI in Baltimore.
Westburg is feeling better now, but taking it “day by day” and doesn’t want to put a timetable on it. Happy with how things are progressing.
Westburg is feeling better now, but taking it “day by day” and doesn’t want to put a timetable on it. Happy with how things are progressing.
February 13, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Jordan Westburg said there was no particular event that caused his oblique issue, just woke up sore one morning. Got an MRI in Baltimore.
Westburg is feeling better now, but taking it “day by day” and doesn’t want to put a timetable on it. Happy with how things are progressing.
Westburg is feeling better now, but taking it “day by day” and doesn’t want to put a timetable on it. Happy with how things are progressing.
Jackson Holliday underwent surgery today with Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles to remove the fractured hook of hamate in his right wrist, the Orioles announce.
February 12, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Jackson Holliday underwent surgery today with Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles to remove the fractured hook of hamate in his right wrist, the Orioles announce.
With the addition of RHP Chris Bassitt, the Orioles seemingly have 6 starters (or more) for only 5 spots.
Could a 6-man rotation be on the table for 2026?
"For us, we’re talking through everything, as well we should. We just want to be prepared."
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Could a 6-man rotation be on the table for 2026?
"For us, we’re talking through everything, as well we should. We just want to be prepared."
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Why O's could consider 6-man rotation following Bassitt signing
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Is Chris Bassitt a No. 1 or No. 2 starting pitcher for a rotation at this point in his MLB career? Likely not. But will he make Baltimore’s pitching staff better? Without a doubt.
Th...
www.mlb.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:12 PM
With the addition of RHP Chris Bassitt, the Orioles seemingly have 6 starters (or more) for only 5 spots.
Could a 6-man rotation be on the table for 2026?
"For us, we’re talking through everything, as well we should. We just want to be prepared."
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Could a 6-man rotation be on the table for 2026?
"For us, we’re talking through everything, as well we should. We just want to be prepared."
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Here’s new Orioles closer Ryan Helsley getting Pete Alonso to swing and miss. The AB ended with a popup caught by Helsley.
February 12, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Here’s new Orioles closer Ryan Helsley getting Pete Alonso to swing and miss. The AB ended with a popup caught by Helsley.
Pete Alonso home run off Tyler Wells during Orioles live BP. Cleared the fence in left-center field.
February 12, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Pete Alonso home run off Tyler Wells during Orioles live BP. Cleared the fence in left-center field.
On Kyle Bradish’s final pitch of his first “inning” of live BP, he gets Pete Alonso to swing and miss for a strikeout.
Bradish has looked sharp so far today.
Bradish has looked sharp so far today.
February 12, 2026 at 5:23 PM
On Kyle Bradish’s final pitch of his first “inning” of live BP, he gets Pete Alonso to swing and miss for a strikeout.
Bradish has looked sharp so far today.
Bradish has looked sharp so far today.
Kyle Bradish gets Gunnar Henderson to swing and miss for the strikeout during Orioles live BP
February 12, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Kyle Bradish gets Gunnar Henderson to swing and miss for the strikeout during Orioles live BP
Kyle Bradish taking the mound first for today’s live BP at Orioles camp. Adley Rutschman is behind the plate.
February 12, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Kyle Bradish taking the mound first for today’s live BP at Orioles camp. Adley Rutschman is behind the plate.
The loudest player so far at Orioles camp?
Pete Alonso, no question.
“Baseball is fun, we want to have fun, but we want to work hard and we want to get after it. Pete does that the best. … It's the energy we need.”
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Pete Alonso, no question.
“Baseball is fun, we want to have fun, but we want to work hard and we want to get after it. Pete does that the best. … It's the energy we need.”
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
The loudest player so far at O's camp? Pete Alonso, no question
SARASOTA, Fla. -- As right-handers Dean Kremer and Shane Baz warmed up to throw live batting practice on Wednesday afternoon, Pete Alonso assembled his group of Orioles hitters in the first-base dugou...
www.mlb.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:10 PM
The loudest player so far at Orioles camp?
Pete Alonso, no question.
“Baseball is fun, we want to have fun, but we want to work hard and we want to get after it. Pete does that the best. … It's the energy we need.”
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Pete Alonso, no question.
“Baseball is fun, we want to have fun, but we want to work hard and we want to get after it. Pete does that the best. … It's the energy we need.”
www.mlb.com/orioles/news...
Pete Alonso has been heavily involved in PFPs here this morning at Orioles camp. Talked to all the pitchers before latest round of drills. Fielding a ton of grounders (including a nifty behind-the-back throw on one that I missed).
Now, he’s fielding grounders from his knees.
Now, he’s fielding grounders from his knees.
February 12, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Pete Alonso has been heavily involved in PFPs here this morning at Orioles camp. Talked to all the pitchers before latest round of drills. Fielding a ton of grounders (including a nifty behind-the-back throw on one that I missed).
Now, he’s fielding grounders from his knees.
Now, he’s fielding grounders from his knees.
The Mountain, Félix Bautista, is here at Orioles camp watching drills.
Mike Elias said yesterday that Bautista’s rehab from right shoulder surgery continues to go well.
Mike Elias said yesterday that Bautista’s rehab from right shoulder surgery continues to go well.
February 12, 2026 at 3:50 PM
The Mountain, Félix Bautista, is here at Orioles camp watching drills.
Mike Elias said yesterday that Bautista’s rehab from right shoulder surgery continues to go well.
Mike Elias said yesterday that Bautista’s rehab from right shoulder surgery continues to go well.
Craig Albernaz said he and Mike Elias will have a discussion with Ryan Mountcastle about his role and fit at some point once full-squad workouts begin next week.
But Albernaz has enjoyed early chats with Mountcastle and is hopeful he’ll be the best version of himself in ‘26.
But Albernaz has enjoyed early chats with Mountcastle and is hopeful he’ll be the best version of himself in ‘26.
February 12, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Craig Albernaz said he and Mike Elias will have a discussion with Ryan Mountcastle about his role and fit at some point once full-squad workouts begin next week.
But Albernaz has enjoyed early chats with Mountcastle and is hopeful he’ll be the best version of himself in ‘26.
But Albernaz has enjoyed early chats with Mountcastle and is hopeful he’ll be the best version of himself in ‘26.
Craig Albernaz said the Orioles would consider using a 6-man rotation this season. Everything will be discussed and all options are on the table.
February 12, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Craig Albernaz said the Orioles would consider using a 6-man rotation this season. Everything will be discussed and all options are on the table.
Pete Alonso said his being loud during Orioles live BP was to keep it loose and fun while also working hard/giving feedback:
"You’re starting to get those competitive juices flowing early, so it’s fun. ... It’s always good, because it’s bragging rights for later on in the year."
"You’re starting to get those competitive juices flowing early, so it’s fun. ... It’s always good, because it’s bragging rights for later on in the year."
February 12, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Pete Alonso said his being loud during Orioles live BP was to keep it loose and fun while also working hard/giving feedback:
"You’re starting to get those competitive juices flowing early, so it’s fun. ... It’s always good, because it’s bragging rights for later on in the year."
"You’re starting to get those competitive juices flowing early, so it’s fun. ... It’s always good, because it’s bragging rights for later on in the year."
There had been speculation that Ryan Mountcastle would be a non-tender candidate for Orioles. Instead, he worked out a deal to avoid arbitration that added a team option for ‘27.
“I love all the guys here. It’s all I’ve ever known. I love it here.”
“I love all the guys here. It’s all I’ve ever known. I love it here.”
Ryan Mountcastle said he’s treating this Orioles camp the same, still working out at 1st base and putting himself in a position to help the team.
“Wherever the chips fall, that’s what happens.”
Mountcastle, Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo all 1st basemen in camp.
“Wherever the chips fall, that’s what happens.”
Mountcastle, Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo all 1st basemen in camp.
February 12, 2026 at 2:08 PM
There had been speculation that Ryan Mountcastle would be a non-tender candidate for Orioles. Instead, he worked out a deal to avoid arbitration that added a team option for ‘27.
“I love all the guys here. It’s all I’ve ever known. I love it here.”
“I love all the guys here. It’s all I’ve ever known. I love it here.”
Ryan Mountcastle said he’s treating this Orioles camp the same, still working out at 1st base and putting himself in a position to help the team.
“Wherever the chips fall, that’s what happens.”
Mountcastle, Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo all 1st basemen in camp.
“Wherever the chips fall, that’s what happens.”
Mountcastle, Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo all 1st basemen in camp.
February 12, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Ryan Mountcastle said he’s treating this Orioles camp the same, still working out at 1st base and putting himself in a position to help the team.
“Wherever the chips fall, that’s what happens.”
Mountcastle, Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo all 1st basemen in camp.
“Wherever the chips fall, that’s what happens.”
Mountcastle, Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo all 1st basemen in camp.