SARASOTA-What’s happening? Former Oriole Ryan O’Hearn hit a three-run homer that highlighted a six-run fifth inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Orioles, 8-2, before 6,934 at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday. It was the Orioles’ second Grapefruit League game, following a 2-0 win over the Yankees on Friday.
Left-hander Dietrich Enns faced six batters in the fifth and each of them scored. Endy Rodriguez hit a two-run home run.
Dean Kremer started and walked the first three batters in the second. The first two scored. He didn’t allow a hit.
Kremer got an early start because he’s heading to pitch for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic on March 1st.
“It’s so great that they can identify Kremer as being one of the starters so that we can prepare and he can also prepare in the offseason so it allows us in live [batting practices] to get him built up quicker than usual and also get him in games,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “We want to do right by Dean. We also want to do right by Team Israel since they gave us the heads-up. We want to make sure he’s ready to pitch and puts on a show for them.”
O’Hearn, who trains 20 minutes away in Bradenton, has a fondness for the Orioles. He remains close to Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser and Ryan Mountcastle.”
“It was a little different seeing some guys that you’re used to watching on other teams playing for the O’s,” O’Hearn said about the Orioles’ offseason acquisitions. “I got to see Gunny. Cowser came and gave me a hug and Mounty, guys that I really care about and want the best for them. It was pretty fun to come here and see everybody.”
It seems that Enns and Keegan Akin are likely to make the team, and Albernaz might like to have a third left-hander in the bullpen.
“Having multiple lefties is very intriguing,” Albernaz said. He’s hoping the Orioles’ pitching coaches are making their pitchers “matchup proof, so lefties can get out righties, and righties can get out lefties.”
What’s happened? Kremer sad he’s a start ahead of other pitchers because he’s getting ready for the WBC.
Kremer said that pitching in the WBC is much more intense than in spring training.
“The outs here, they matter, but you need to work on what you need to work on to be ready for the season,” Kremer said. “You’re playing for pride, and that’s whole fun of it.”
Kremer said he knew what the issue was with the walks but didn’t elaborate.
“Nothing in particular. There’s a couple of issues we’re going to work on through spring training,” he said.
Kremer said the Orioles’ pitching staff has become deeper.
“It takes the whole 40-man and more to get through the season,” Kremer said. “Especially if you want to play playoff baseball. It’s really important for us to have depth, and the front office did a really good job coming into this year and adding depth.”
Tyler Wells, who threw a spotless third and struck out two, also noted the staff’s depth.
“Everywhere you look, you’ve got some really good, really capable pitchers,” Wells said.
Albernaz wasn’t concerned about Enns’ poor first outing.
“His stuff looked great,” Albernaz said. “He was just a little quicker than usual on the mound, which is completely understandable.”
Shane Baz and Zach Eflin threw two innings of live batting practice on the back fields.
What’s up with Eric Torres? Torres is a 26-year-old left-hander who was signed by the Orioles after a spectacular stint for Ponce in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
“I was looking to play affiliated baseball again,” Torres said. “They got in contact with me. What really drew me to them was how they spoke about their development team. That was very interesting.”
Torres, who pitched four seasons in the Los Angeles Angels organization, allowed just six hits in 23 1/3 scoreless innings in Puerto Rico. He struck out 39 and walked seven. He played Independent ball in 2025.
The Puerto Rican league is comparable to Double-A baseball, Torres said.
“It’s an extremely competitive league,” Torres said. “Everybody’s there to earn another job essentially in another league.”
Torres said there were former major leaguers playing, but he wasn’t thinking about that.
“When I pitch, I’m not paying attention or remembering too much,” he said.
What’s what? O’Hearn, who was traded from the Orioles to San Diego last July and signed a two-year, $26 million contract with Pittsburgh, received a nice ovation before his first at-bat.
“That was awesome,” O’Hearn said. “It means a lot to me, showing support like that.”
Home plate umpire Tyler Jones dusted off home plate to let O’Hearn enjoy the applause for a few moments.
What’s the word? “The last nine months have been pretty special. It’s cool being a dad. Getting to take care of her. Learn how to take care of a little baby. I don’t think I even held a baby before we had Harper.” –O’Hearn on his special time since the beginning of last season.
What’s the number? 73. With the addition of third baseman Bryan Ramos, the Orioles have 73 players in camp. Relievers Félix Bautista and Colin Selby have already been placed on the 60-day injured list.
What’s the record? 1-1. The Orioles play the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. Kyle Bradish will start against former Oriole Jack Flaherty. Brett Hollander and Ben Wagner will broadcast for WBAL/98 Rock.
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