Bradish throws 2 innings, Alonso, Kjerstad homer in Orioles’ 4-4 tie with Tigers

LAKELAND, Florida-What’s happening? Opening Day is more than a month away, and manager Craig Albernaz will have plenty of time to decide a starter for the March 26^th game against the Minnesota Twins.

Albernaz is likely to choose either Kyle Bradish or Tyler Rogers.

In Bradish’s first start of the spring, he allowed two runs on three hits in two innings in the Orioles’ 4-4 tie with the Detroit Tigers before 6.039 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Sunday.

Pete Alonso homered for the second straight game, and Heston Kjerstad also hit a home run.

Bradish, who had Tommy John surgery in June 2024, had a 2.53 ERA in six starts last season and is likely to be on an innings limit this season. Rogers, who breezed through two innings on Friday, had a 9-3 record and 1.81 ERA last season.

Bradish, who finished fourth in Cy Young Award voting in 2024, has yet to start an opener.

“He’s one of those guys with the talent. He could be an ace on a variety of pitching staffs,” Albernaz said. “That’s the talent that he has. Spring training, he’s been looking great. This is part of his progression to see where he’s at. The ceiling for him is just as high as anyone.”

What’s happened? Bradish was satisfied with his first outing.

“I got a little bit of everything,” Bradish said. “I was pleased with how my stuff was today, cleaning up some of my locations. Got a lot of weak contact. During the season, that plays really well.”

Bradish hasn’t had a complete spring training since 2023.

“My stuff was in a really good position today and, mechanically, I feel really good and dialed in. Location will come as well as confidence in my pitches and putting away guys.”

Bradish thinks the Orioles’ rotation can be really good.

“We’re all in a great spot right now,” Bradish said. “We have good depth and a lot of guys who have pitched in a lot of big games. I think that bodes well going into the season for a bounce-back year.”

Albernaz was content with Bradish’s outing.

“Strike quality wasn’t the best, the second inning in particular,” he said. “He was moving well. He made pitches when he needed to. Sinker had some good movement on it, slider shape was good. It was an encouraging first outing.”

Kjerstad is feeling strong after his 2025 season ended early with what the Orioles said was exhaustion.

“Right now, I feel really good with my swing,” Kjerstad said. “Getting out on the field, taking live [at-bats] off teammates. Felt really good with those, been driving the ball well. In a good spot to build upon it. Definitely early in spring, want to keep making adjustments, but as of right now, feel really solid at the plate.” ‘

“I feel really good right now, just with my approach and everything that’s going on at the plate just to be out here healthy, playing with the team, being back on the field, that’s always good.”

Brandon Young allowed one run on two hits in two innings. Cameron Foster and Anthony Nunez pitched scoreless innings. Cameron Weston pitched two scoreless innings, striking out four. Andrew Magno allowed an RBI single to No. 10 prospect Max Clark in the ninth.

Shortstop Payton Eeles left the game in the eighth inning with left should discomfort after a collision with centerfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr.

“He had some adrenaline going through and felt some discomfort, so smart by him to get off the field,’ Albernaz said.

What’s up with Jud Fabian? Fabian, who was a second-round draft pick of the Orioles in 2022, hit just .183 with 136 strikeouts in 109 games for Triple-A Norfolk last year. The 25-year-old outfielder hit 15 home runs and drove in 39 runs.

“I got hurt in the middle of last year,” Fabian said. “When I came back, it was hard to get that consistency back, just try to stay consistent with my routine, my prep, my swing.”

Fabian has played mostly center field in the minor leagues but has logged substantial time in right and left. He’s in camp on a minor league invite for the second straight spring.

“Learn from the vets that we have on this team, outfielder-wise,” Fabian said. “How they prep, how they go about to hitting in the cages to hitting on the field to playing field, asking them questions, getting their advice. They’ve been through it and done it before.”

Fabian wants to cut down on his strikeouts.

“It’s not the one thing I’m focusing on,” he said. “If I do everything right, prep routine-wise, my new movements, it should lead to less strikeouts, but I’m not really focusing on it because when you focus on it, that’s when you do it more.”

What’s what? The Orioles and Tigers both wore orange tops. The shade of orange worn seemed identical. Fortunately, the Orioles wore gray pants while Detroit wore white.

What’s the word? “I hope he hits one every single game. That would be amazing.”-Bradish on Alonso’s two home runs in two games.

What’s the number? 2. Each of the Orioles’ first three starters — Bradish, Rogers and Dean Kremer — have thrown two innings.

What’s the record? 1-1-1. The Orioles will face the Atlanta Braves at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday at 1:05 p.m. Cade Povich faces Andrew Morris.

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