When do Orioles eat before games? / Mailbag

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.

Question: I am curious with the earlier start of weeknight games what, where and when do the players eat on game day?  From: Sallye Perrin

Answer: Sallye, I spoke to two Orioles about eating for weeknight games. They both eat breakfast at home fairly late, one between 9:30 and 10, the other about 10:30, and they eat lunch when they arrive at the ballpark around 1. There’s a chef on hand for nutritious meals all day. They eat again before the game, around 5. The meals at 1 and 5 are light, and then they eat again right after the game.

Visiting clubhouses also have chefs, so the Orioles can eat quality meals on the same schedule while they’re on the road.

Question: I think we understand that the Orioles are obligated to assist with John Means’ rehab, which I interpret to mean the cost of doctors, rehab facilities and tests. Are the Orioles also obligated to pay him during this rehab, and does this transcend free agency? If another team signs him, does the signing also automatically pick up the financial obligation for the rehab? From: Mark Eisner

Answer: Mark, the Orioles are not obligated to pay John Means in 2025. Unless they or another team signs him for next year, he will be a free agent. If another team signs him, they would assume those obligations, but I think unless the Orioles re-sign him, he’ll remain a free agent until he’s healthy enough to pitch competitively.