Apr 1, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) delivers during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
BALTIMORE—Even though the Orioles have traded Adley Rutschman and Taylor Ward and are missing catcher Samuel Basallo, they still have a solid starting rotation.
On Wednesday night, Trevor Rogers, who didn’t want to be traded, allowed just three hits in six-plus innings to lead the Orioles to their second straight win over the Los Angeles Angels, 5-2, before 16,977 at Camden Yards.
The win moves the Orioles to within a half-game of the final wild-card spot.
Rogers (7-7) broke a string of four straight no-decisions and won for the first time since July 3rd. He allowed two runs on three hits, striking out a season-high nine without a walk in six innings. It was his third straight start without a walk.
“Part of my game is commanding the strike zone and not giving up free passes,” Rogers said. “I hate walks more than anything. So, yeah, I’m really pleased with how I’m throwing the ball right now and commanding the strike zone.”
Travis d’Arnaud’s bouncer that hit second base and landed in center field with two outs in the second and Jose Siri’s leadoff home run in the sixth were the only hits against Rogers until Nolan Schanuel singled to start the seventh.
For the second straight game, Carlos Narváez caught a new starter, and it worked out well.
“Narvy was doing a really good job back there, just mixing pitches, moving the ball around and really just reading the hitter, really,” Rogers said. “I think we were on a really good page all night, and one pitch over the heart of the plate and he got it. But, yeah, Narvy did a really good job back there.”
Alex Hoppe’s first pitch hit the backstop, enabling Schanuel to advance to second. In his first game with the Orioles since he was acquired from Seattle in the Ward trade, Wade Meckler singled with two outs to score Schanuel.
Rico Garcia ended the seventh by retiring Josh Lowe on a foul popup to third.
The Orioles (56-58) scored three quick runs against Reid Detmers (3-8) in the third.
Tyler O’Neill hit a two-run home run, his ninth. Coby Mayo followed with his 15th. It was the fifth time the Orioles have hit back-to-back home runs. The last time was on July 8th when it was Mayo and O’Neill.
Yennier Cano recorded three quick outs in the eighth.
Leody Taveras’ pinch-hit home run, a two-run shot in the eighth, gave the Orioles a 5-2 lead.
Andrew Kittredge pitched a spotless ninth for his fifth save.
The Orioles go for a three-game sweep on Thursday afternoon before they begin a crucial 10-game road trip to Texas, Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
“I’m ready for it,” Rogers said. “I’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and the fact that I can contribute and help my team win, and we’re right there in the playoff push these last few months.
“That’s what baseball is all about. That’s what we think of when spring training rolls around, is meaningful baseball in the back end of the year. I’m ready for it, and I’m fired up for it.”
How has Narváez adjusted? Since being traded in the Rutschman deal on Monday, Narváez has caught Rogers, Cade Povich, and four new relievers.
“In the middle of the season, it’s kind of tough,” Narváez said. “But the pitching staff has been amazing. Every new guy that’s coming out of the ‘pen, they always talk with me beforehand in the dugout. We talk a lot during the day to get to know everybody, maximize their strengths. That’s the whole goal there.”
What does it mean? Rogers continues to pitch brilliantly, and the Orioles’ rotation must keep them in the playoff push.
What’s the stat of the day? 5. The Orioles have five pinch-hit home runs, all after July 8th.
Our guys have really stepped up and really owned that side of the game and being ready, getting in the cage, being prepped for that,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Obviously, it’s not as easy as plug and play. It’s a homer. There’s a lot that goes into it.”
What’s the word? “I’m personally proud and I’m happy for the opportunity, but I knew how much Adley means for this organization. So, I just want to contribute with the team, helping every way possible. Behind the plate, I think I help the most. So, that’s my whole focus right now. They got so much talent here.”-Narváez on joining the Orioles.
What’s going on in the minor leagues? Left-hander Luis De Léon, who was recently promoted from Double-A Chesapeake to Triple-A Norfolk, was named July’s Pitcher of the Month in the Eastern League.
Wehiwa Aloy homered twice and drove in four runs to lead Chesapeake to an 8-1 win over Harrisburg in the first game of a doubleheader.
Sebastian Gongora gave up a run on four hits in five innings. Brandon Butterworth also homered.
The Baysox swept the Senators, winning the second game 2-1 behind five shutout innings by Christian Herberholz, who allowed just three hits.
Andrew Herbert gave up three runs on four hits in five innings in Single-A Delmarva’s 5-4 loss to Fredericksburg in 10 innings.
What’s next? Brandon Young (8-2, 3.31) will start against Ryan Johnson (2-6, 7.63) on Thursday at 12:35 p.m.
Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com
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