SARASOTA—What’s happening? Kyle Bradish, who could be the Orioles’ Opening Day starter, threw five sparkling innings, allowing just one hit, walking one and striking out two, in the Orioles’ 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates before 6,066 at Ed Smith Stadium on Wednesday.
Bradish, who started just six times last season after having Tommy John surgery in June 2024, threw 74 pitches.
Taylor Ward hit a three-run home against Pirates starter Noah Davis in the sixth.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. returned from Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic. Panama went 1-3 in Pool A. Bradfield hit .273 and was 3-for-11 with an RBI.
“Just to be able to be part of that group, there’s a lot of veterans, Ruben Tejada, Christian Bethancourt, who have played a lot of baseball,” Bradfield said. “Their experiences were very helpful to me especially, but to the entire group.”
Bradfield is looking forward “to getting back in a routine,” he said. “The tournament came and it went, and it was pretty fast. There were a lot of changing pieces. Find a rhythm again to what I was doing beforehand is probably going to be the most important thing for me.”
Dean Kremer is back from Team Israel, which was 2-2 in Pool D. Kremer pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings in Israel’s 5-0 win over Nicaragua. Kremer, who struck out four and walked one, threw 63 pitches.
“We treat that outing as part of his buildup,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “The stress is higher, pitching in that environment [rather] than in spring training games here. We always check on the players to see how they’re feeling. If we have to adjust the buildup, it’s all player-dependent. He’ll have a huge voice in how we go about it from here. I can’t wait to see him.”
The Orioles reassigned catchers Ethan Anderson and Creed Willems, first baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda, outfielder Will Robertson, left-handed pitchers Andrew Magno, Eric Torres and Josh Walker to minor league camp.
The Orioles have 53 players remaining in camp, including 16 non-roster invitees and relievers Félix Bautista and Colin Selby, who are on the 60-day injured list.
Anderson was hitless in seven at-bats in six games. Willems was hitless in six at-bats. Noda was 1-for-20 (.050) in 11 games. Robertson was 4-for-20 (.200) with a home and three RBIs in 10 games. Magno was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in four games. Torres had a 4.91 ERA in three games while Walker threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings with five walks.
Orioles minor league spring training games have begun. They’ll play games at Twin Lakes Park between now and March 27th. There is no admission fee. Information can be found at Orioles.com/minorleagues.
What happened? This was Bradish’s third start this spring. In his first two, he allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings. He was throwing 97 mph fastballs.
“It’s not something I’m searching for,” Bradish said “The ball was coming out good today. I feel like my arm’s in a good spot. My body feels good and healthy right now. Hopefully, that carries over to the season.”
Opening Day is March 26th, and Bradish is lined up for the start, though Albernaz has yet to name a starter, and he also could be considering Trevor Rogers.
“It’s a huge honor,” Bradish said. “I’m not deadset on it. It’d be a huge honor, but anywhere in the rotation is good enough for me. I’m looking for 30 starts, not just one.”
Albernaz enjoyed watching Bradish.
“That was really fun to see and watch,” Albernaz said. “He was moving so clean on the mound and efficient. Fastball velo was there. Offspeed offerings were really gross. They were sharp and late, and he was in the strike zone. It was good to get him through five, which is a box check right now, when it’s getting toward the end of camp.”
Ward hit 36 home runs for the Los Angeles Angels last year.
“You always want to go out there and look good,” Ward said. “Take it, definitely want to build on it.”
Ward is impressed with the Orioles. He’s looking forward to having shortstop Gunnar Henderson return from Team USA.
“I like what I’m seeing. I’m looking forward to getting Gunnar back,” Ward said. “I think we have a great squad, all around. Staying healthy is going to be the biggest thing for us this year.”
Chris Bassitt allowed two runs on four hits in four innings, striking out three and walking three.
Ryan Mountcastle was hit by a pitch in the right hand in the eighth inning and left the game.
“He’s sore. He got hit with a baseball, so it feels like he got with a baseball,” Albernaz said. “He’s getting checked out now.”
X-Rays on Mountcastle’s hand were negative for a fracture.
Shortstop José Barrero hit a three-run home run in the seventh.
What’s up with Yaramil Hiraldo? The 30-year-old right-hander has pitched four spotless innings, striking out five in Grapefruit League games. A year ago, Hiraldo was an unknown in Orioles’ camp and made his way to the major leagues for 18 appearances. Hiraldo had a 4.58 ERA.
“The work that we put into the offseason, we’re seeing the results,” Hiraldo said through a team translator. “It’s very different. I feel like I’m different as well. I’m able to look at things differently now and find the game easier. Not that the game is easy. I’m able to find things easier now that I’ve been in the big leagues. Last year was very different, not having pitched in the big leagues for four years. I feel more comfortable this time around.”
What’s what? The Orioles haven’t been affected by rain this spring. However, there’s the possibility of rain from Saturday to Tuesday. Albernaz is confident that pitchers will be able to get repetitions because of the Orioles’ new indoor facility.
“We always adapt,” Albernaz said. “That’s the beauty of this place. Pitchers can throw live. We can infielders with the nets and stuff. That’s a huge unlock for us. It also keeps the pitchers on their progression without being completely deterred by it.”
What’s the word? “Being on the sidelines the past few years, I got to see what these veteran guys do to get ready for the season, and I try to take some of that stuff into my routine this year and not feel like I need to come into camp guns blazing, just gradually get ready for the start of the year.”–Bradish on why his preparation is better.
What’s the number? 2. There are two Oriole games that will be shown on AppleTV in the first half of the season. On April 10th, it’s the San Francisco Giants visiting the Orioles, and on May 22nd, it’s the Detroit Tigers. Both games will begin at 7:15 p.m.
What’s the record? 8-9-2. The Orioles are off on Thursday and will play the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida at 1:05 p.m. Cade Povich will start against Andrew Painter. Povich has allowed one run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings this spring.
Ben Wagner and Ben McDonald will have the call on MASN.
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: [email protected]