Rogers: ‘Always had the stuff to be Opening Day guy’; Orioles lose to Pirates, 8-6

BRADENTON, Florida–What’s happening? One day after he was named the Orioles’ Opening Day starter, Trevor Rogers allowed two runs on four hits in four-plus innings in the Orioles’ 8-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates before 6,595 at LECOM Park on Saturday.

The 28-year-old left-hander walked one, struck out three and hit two batters while throwing 61 pitches.

Rogers, who had a 7.11 ERA in four starts after he was traded from Miami to the Orioles in July 2024, had a 9-3 record and a 1.81 ERA last year.

“It meant a lot,” he said of being chosen to start Opening Day. “The journey that I’ve been on since I’ve been traded over here. The belief that they have in me to take a ball on Opening Day. Deep down, I’ve always felt I had the stuff to be an Opening Day guy. It’s been a bucket list for my career.”

Rogers will be a part of an improved rotation that will include Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin.

“Bradish could be the Opening Day guy for the other 29 teams,” Rogers said.

Rogers doesn’t want to overemphasize how important the first start is.

“It is Opening Day, but it’s important that I get through the 30 next starts after that,” Rogers said. “It’s a really important honor, but I just try to be out there every five days.”

The Orioles will have to get better starting pitching to bounce back from an 87-loss season.

“We’re ready to compete and get after it this year,” Rogers said.

Manager Craig Albernaz said he gave a lot of thought about who would open the season for the Orioles.

“There was a lot that went into it,” Albernaz said. “We had a lot of guys that can start Opening Day. Ultimately, we landed on Trevor Rogers. He deserves it after last year.

“The performance, the work he’s put in this offseason. It also sets up the rest of the guys in the rotation, so there’s also that component as well. We couldn’t be happier to give the ball to Trevor on Opening Day and see what he can do. He earned it.”

There was speculation that Bradish might pitch the opener, but he started only six times last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Rogers seemed to be the more logical choice.

“It looked like it caught him off-guard,” Albernaz said. “He was taken away. It’s such a cool honor for those guys. They work so hard. It says a lot when the team trusts you to take the ball the first game of the year, and then he’s taken that responsibility in stride. He’s ready for the opportunity.”

Baz, who could be the No. 3 starter, was thrilled for his teammate.

“I’m super happy for him,” Baz said. “The year that he had last year was amazing. I think he’s a great pitcher and he’s been a great teammate so far. I think everybody’s really, really happy for him. He’s got a really great story from the past couple of years. He has all the talent in the world. We’re all just really happy for him. I’ve really enjoyed being around him this year.”

Second baseman Jeremiah Jackson also likes the choice.

“Rogers, he’s a great pitcher, but he’s also a great guy,” Jackson said. “We’re all happy that he’s opening the season for us. I’m excited to see what he can do this year.”

What happened? Rogers gave up a leadoff home run to Henry Davis, and Davis’ bases-loaded walk in the second produced the second run.

“He did a good job competing,” Albernaz said. “The hit-by-pitch, the bases-loaded walk, not ideal … he’ll be ready for Opening Day, so we’re good.”

Catcher Adley Rutschman, who drove in three runs and outfielder Dylan Beavers both smacked two-run home runs.

Rutschman has observed Rogers’ progress.

“He’s worked really hard over the last two years, really did a great job this year,’ Rutschman said. “He showed up to this camp, looked ready to go and has continued to show that throughout camp. I think he’s really excited.

“As far as his pitch shapes, his velocity, everything has ticked up. From last offseason to this current offseason, it looks like he’s continually gotten better. The velo’s improved, the stuff’s improved. He looks confident on the mound. He knows what works, and he sticks to it and does a good job of game-planning.”

Dietrich Enns allowed a run in the sixth inning, and Yaramil Hiraldo allowed a three-run home run to Marcell Ozuna in the seventh. Hiraldo had previously thrown four spotless innings.

In his first outing of the spring, Hans Crouse allowed a two-run home run to Billy Cook in the eighth.

Ryan Mountcastle, who was hit by a pitch on his right hand on Wednesday, hasn’t played since even though X-rays were negative.

“There’s no need to rush him back,” Albernaz said.

What’s up with Levi Wells? The 24-year-old right-hander was the Orioles’ fourth-round draft pick in 2023. He was 2-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 25 games with Double-A Chesapeake and Triple-A Norfolk.

“I’m super thankful for the organization allowing me to have this opportunity,” Wells said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to work alongside some of these veterans, Chris Bassitt, Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers, see how they go about their stuff, how about they go about their processes is really cool.”

Wells allowed six runs on seven hits in seven innings with three walks and five strikeouts in three games this spring.

“Being original and being consistent within your routine,” he said about what he’s learned this spring. “Each and every guy has a certain recipe that makes them tick and you spend a lot of time in the minor leagues.

“You spend a lot of time by yourself … Getting to come here and see the qualities that those guys have, you compare and contrast some of those things, it’s been a super cool experience.”

What’s what? Rutschman seems healthy this spring, and he’s confident that 2026 will be a much better year than 2025 when he had two stints on the injured list and a .673 OPS.

What’s the word? “It’s a big honor for those guys, but on the flip side, there’s more games after that, so we want to make sure the rest of the rotation is lined up after that.”-Albernaz on Rogers

What’s the number? 5.40. Hiraldo’s ERA increased from 0.00 to 5.40 after his rough outing.

What’s the record? 8-11-2. The Orioles will play their first night game of the spring on Sunday when they host the New York Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium at 6:05. Zach Eflin will start against Paul Blackburn. In his first start, Eflin allowed one hit in two-plus scoreless innings.

Ben Wagner and Ryan Ripken will have the call on MASN. Brett Hollander and Josh Lewin will be the broadcasters on WBAL Radio/98 Rock.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com