FORT MYERS, Florida–What’s happening? Manager Craig Albernaz and Albert Suárez go back a long way. Though they never played on the same team, they were in the Tampa Bay organization together. Suárez, who’s now 36, signed with the Rays in 2006 when Albernaz was starting his professional career.
“I caught Albert when he was a young prospect with the Rays,” said Albernaz, who’s 43. “We have some history. That was when he was an up-and-coming stud with the Rays’ organization.”
Two decades later, Suárez has been almost everywhere and done almost everything. It took that up-and-coming “stud” 10 years to make the major leagues with the San Francisco Giants before he made his way to Japan and South Korea, and after an absence of nearly seven years, back to the majors with the Orioles in 2024.
Suárez, then and now, was in spring training on a minor league contract, but he’s a known quantity for the Orioles.
In 2024, Suárez tied for the second most starts on the team and was 9-7 with a 3.70 ERA. Last year, a rotator cuff injury limited him to five games, and the Orioles did not tender him a contract.
Less than a month later, he re-signed with the Orioles. On Tuesday, he made his first appearance of 2026.
With so many starters, it appears that Suárez is a candidate for long relief and as a mentor.
“To see him now, the man that he’s become, he can do that just because of the person that he is,” Albernaz said. “He’s also as physical as they come. He’s built like you want to build a pitcher. He’s going to be very valuable for us in whatever role he decides or whatever role he’s open to do. He’s such a team guy. Whatever you need from him, he’ll do.”
Infielder Payton Eeles, who left Sunday’s game in Lakeland after he collided with outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., remains out with a shoulder injury.
Infielder Thairo Estrada, who was signed to a minor league contract on Monday, is penciled in to play on Friday at Pittsburgh.
What’s happened? Suárez allowed one run on three hits, walking one in two innings in the Orioles’ 10-5 win over the Minnesota Twins before 4,884 at Hammond Stadium. He threw 47 pitches.
“The main thing is that I’m back being healthy being able to get through two innings,” Suárez said.
Suárez had a long wait when the Orioles scored six runs in the top of the first.
“I was rooting for my teammates to score,” Suárez said.
He’s open to what ever the team needs.
“I’m preparing to pitch, any role they need me. I’m not thinking of a specific role. I’m just thinking to be able to make the team.”
Suárez remembers Albernaz as a catcher.
“I was really young and he was on a high level, but he was a really good catcher. It was really fun for us as young guys,” Suárez said. “Throwing to him was really satisfying.”
One of the hits Suárez allowed was a ball that centerfielder Leody Taveras lost in the sun and ruled a single for Kody Clemens. Taveras also lost a ball hit by Josh Bell in Ryan Helsley’s inning. Bell’s hit was scored a double.
“It was good to see Suárez out there,” Albernaz said. “Especially after a long first inning, sitting in the dugout. He was throwing strikes, very encouraged for his first outing. Let’s see how he can build off this moving forward.”
Pitching for the first time as an Oriole, the 31-year-old Helsley, who’s expected to be the closer, threw 12 pitches in his scoreless inning.
“Just wanted to attack guys and throw a lot of strikes,” Helsley said.
Instead of coming into the game in the ninth, Helsley pitched the third at a time when Twins regulars were still playing.
“I try to treat everything the same,” Helsley said. “I can always get something out of the situation and try to get better from it. I really try not to think about it. Obviously, it is different. It’s not the same. It’s just always key to get out there healthy and feel good after.”
Taveras had three hits, two doubles and two RBIs. Jeremiah Jackson had two hits and two RBIs. Luis Vázquez had two hits and an RBI.
What’s up with Will Robertson? The Orioles claimed the 28-year-old outfielder off waivers from Pittsburgh on December 5th. He was taken off the roster when the Orioles signed Zach Eflin just after Christmas.
Robertson hit .129 with nine RBIs in 27 games for Toronto and the Chicago White Sox in 2025.
“Sometimes you can get there and be a little shell-shocked,” he said. “It takes a little bit to get your feet wet and get comfortable. Using that run to get comfortable and trust yourself that you belong there was huge.”
There are more experienced outfielders in Orioles camp, but Robertson hopes to make an impression.
“In years past, I’ve been able to come to these big league camps, and be able to observe and learn a lot,” Robertson said. “Last year, using that as a catapult, gaining some experience and this year, just trying to solidify that I belong and try to take the next step and hopefully carry that into sustaining that more at the big league level.”
There’s another Will Robertson in the Orioles’ organization. He’s the vice president of domestic scouting, and the two aren’t related..
What’s what? Ike Irish, the Orioles’ top draft pick last year, played right field in relief of Robertson and doubled in his only at-bat.
What’s the word? “He’s a selfless player. He’s had so many different experiences coming up, being in Oakland, a young pitcher, then going to New York, then being in Toronto. That’s what I love about baseball. These guys always pay it forward. That’s what makes this great. Bassitt exemplifies that where he’s been through a lot. He’s battle-tested and he has all these experiences to share with any pitcher.”-Albernaz on Chris Bassitt’s mentoring of young pitchers.
What’s the number? 29. The first half inning lasted 29 minutes. The Orioles sent 11 batters to the plate and scored six runs.
What’s the record? 2-2-1 Trevor Rogers will start against Brody Hopkins when the Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Kevin Brown and Roch Kubatko will call the game on MASN.
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