Rutschman homers, Henderson moves to 3rd, Bradish throws 3 in Orioles’ 7-5 loss to Braves

SARASOTA-What’s happening? Adley Rutschman hit his first home run of the spring and Kyle Bradish pitched three innings, allowing two runs, in the Orioles’ 7-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves before the second sellout crowd of spring training, 7,728, at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday.

Rutschman, who’s seeking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season when he missed significant time with two oblique strains, also doubled.

In his second start, Bradish allowed two runs on four hits in three innings. In two starts, he’s allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings. Bradish struck out five and didn’t walk a batter, throwing 40 pitches.

Gunnar Henderson (Team USA) and Tyler O’Neill (Team Canada) batted first and second in their final Grapefruit League game for the Orioles before they play in the World Baseball Classic.

Henderson played third base for the first time since 2023. He moved from shortstop in the fifth inning and had two chances in three innings. He’s expected to play third in the WBC because Bobby Witt Jr. also will be playing for Team USA.

Coby Mayo, who played shortstop in high school and for part of an inning in the Florida Complex League in 2021, moved to short for an inning.

Samuel Basallo, who left Thursday’s game with abdominal soreness on the right side, is scheduled to play on Sunday, manager Craig Albernaz said. Infielder Payton Eeles’ shoulder remains in a sling after his collision with Enrique Bradield Jr. last Sunday at Lakeland.

What happened? Perhaps there will be less pressure on Rutschman now that slugging first baseman Pete Alonso has joined the Orioles.

“We’ve added some pieces this year that continue to make this team better and put us in a better possible position to try and win a World Series,” Rutschman said. “Love Pete, man. He’s been awesome so far. Can’t wait to go through a season with him, and [pitchers Chris] Bassitt and [Shane] Baz.”

Rutschman was pleased that he hit ball hard.

“Still trying to get timing. Great results today, great process,” he said.

Bradish said he was preparing to pitch in the opening weekend of the season.

“Whenever I pitch in this rotation works for me,” Bradish said.

He and Albernaz were pleased with his start.

“Another good outing. Number 2,” Bradish said. “Got through three innings. I feel like I filled up the zone today and everything was working.”

“He was really good,” Albernaz said. “Fastball was crisp, breaking stuff was right where it needs to be.”

Bradish started just six games last season, and Rutschman was only active to catch him for one start.

“When Rutsch is on, it makes this lineup even better,” Bradish said. “Big bounce-back year for him, and he’s looking even better now.”

Bradish likes how the team is playing.

“Looks great. I feel like everybody’s in a good spot now,” he said.

Bradish was followed by Ryan Helsley and Tyler Wells, who each threw a scoreless inning. Yennier Cano allowed a run in the sixth. Rico Garcia, who’s leaving to play for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, struck out all three batters he faced in the seventh.

Chayce McDermott allowed three home runs on three pitches in the eighth. Jose Espada, who’s also going to play for Team Puerto Rico, allowed an unearned run in the ninth.

Vance Honeycutt and Sam Huff hit back-to-back home runs in the ninth.

What’s up with Coby Mayo? Mayo was originally told he’d move to first base when Henderson moved to third.

“They were trying to play a trick on me so I wouldn’t get too nervous,” Mayo said. “It was definitely different to be there. You feel like you’re monitoring the infield. You have every ball, technically. It was cool. It was different.”

Mayo made two good early plays at third, and he’s feeling more comfortable there after spending 2025 learning how to play first base. He’s likely to start the season at third this season because third baseman Jordan Westburg is out until at least May because of a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot on defense,” Mayo said. “My footwork’s been a lot better this year over there. Just going to continue to get better the more I’m working over there.”

There was speculation that Mayo might get time in right field but with Westburg and second baseman Jackson Holliday (surgery on a broken hamate bone in his right wrist) out, Mayo is needed at third.

“With all the injuries we’re having now to the infielders, I would say that the infield has been my priority,” Mayo said. “It’s always been my priority. I’ve never taken a rep in the outfield with the Orioles yet. I don’t know if that’s going to be a thing in the future. I’ve heard chatter, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

What’s what? Last year, Honeycutt struck out 178 times and hit just three home runs in 101 games for High-A Aberdeen. He’s 3-for-3 this spring, with three home runs.

“I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself in spring training,” Honeycutt said. “I did a lot of good work in the offseason and was excited to come out and see some pitching and get some at-bats and see what I can do.”

What’s the word? “I think the guys were laughing about it, seeing Coby and Gunn swap places, so always good to get a laugh.”-Rutschman on Mayo and Henderson swapping positions. 

What’s the number? 3. John Gil, Cal Conley and former Oriole Chadwick Tromp homered on three straight pitches by McDermott.

What’s the record? 4-4-1 The Orioles will play the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Chris Bassitt will make his first start for the Orioles against Ranger Suárez. Kevin Brown and Roch Kubatko will call the game on MASN. For WBAL/98 Rock, it will be Ben Wagner and Josh Lewin.

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