The Orioles have escaped Kansas City with a series win after pulling off a comeback to get an 8-6 victory in yesterday’s game, bringing themselves back within a game of .500. The Royals broke a long losing streak with their win on Tuesday but remain in the basement of the American League. You could maybe say that it would have been better if the O’s really embarrassed the worst team, which they didn’t do. Still, they won two of three, and they showed some resilience in doing it, so that’s something. Check out Paul Folkemer’s recap of the game for more of the lovely totals.
One thing I think that we can hope for coming out of that series is that the signs of life from Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo at the plate continue. Mayo, in particular, had a pair of three-run homers over the course of the series. Struggling outfielders Dylan Beavers and Colton Cowser had two hits apiece in Wednesday’s game as well. The problems that the team has had so far will seem a lot easier to overcome if these guys are able to start hitting at least decently.
Less positive is the continuing struggle of this year’s edition of the veteran starting pitcher signing, Chris Bassitt. The team spotted him a five-run lead yesterday after scoring six runs in the top of the sixth inning and Bassitt still couldn’t get through the bottom of the inning without making things way more interesting. He gave up a home run to the first batter he saw after the big O’s offensive outburst. In all, Bassitt gave up five runs in 5.1 innings to raise his season ERA to 6.75 after five starts.
It’s not quite Charlie Morton territory. Morton had a 10.89 ERA after the same number of games, after which he got dumped from the rotation. With each of Cade Povich and Brandon Young starting off well for Triple-A Norfolk, I understand the impulse to do the same for Bassitt. I doubt that the Orioles will, at least not unless this drags out for a longer at this level of bad results. Maybe another five starts. At least we don’t have to worry about him for a few more days.
There’s a little Orioles injury news that will probably hang in limbo over the off day today. Jackson Holliday was sent back to Baltimore yesterday for an MRI on his hand after his latest rehab stint was shut down following an uncomfortable swing in Norfolk. There was no news about it after yesterday’s game and there probably won’t be in the off day either. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out if there are any updates to be had there – or with any of the other injured O’s who might be back any day now or might just keep on lingering.
The Orioles will next be in action on Friday night at home against the Red Sox starting at 7:05. As of this writing, there is not a scheduled starter for the Orioles. If they don’t use the off day to skip Dean Kremer’s turn, then it will be Kremer who would be on turn to make the start. The Red Sox will send out Brayan Bello, who’s struggled to begin the 2026 season. This does not necessarily mean anything where the enigmatic Orioles offense is concerned.
Orioles place Helsley on family leave/bereavement list, recall Espada (Baltimore Baseball)There was a roster move ahead of yesterday’s game, with the closer leaving for a few days for the family medical or bereavement leave list. The team did not announce the specific circumstances. If it is a medical situation, I wish the best for it turning out well. If it’s bereavement, condolences to the family.
Jeremiah Jackson is getting his hacks in (FanGraphs)The folks at FanGraphs have taken notice of the strong start by an unlikely Oriole. Now that Jackson’s BABIP luck has reached a more stable place, what might he do the rest of the way?
How Tyler Wells’s new mental approach is helping with life in the bullpen (The Baltimore Banner)Wells had a great outing yesterday, with 1.2 innings scoreless. That’s heading in the right direction.
Today in 1994, future Hall of Famer Lee Smith picked up his ninth save of the season in the 16th game played by the Orioles. This was a new MLB record for fastest to nine saves. The Orioles beat the Mariners, 4-3, as Smith got his save. He did not allow a run over 12 April appearances that year.
In their 25th game one year ago, the Orioles lost to the Tigers, 4-3, in the first game of a doubleheader, to fall to 10-15 on the season. Jordan Westburg, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramón Urías all had three hits in the losing effort for the O’s. For the time being, the 2026 edition of the team is doing two games better than those guys.
There are a few former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2022 pitcher Louis Head, 2009 pitcher Sean Henn, and 1957 infielder Buddy Peterson.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: playwright William Shakespeare (1564), 15th president James Buchanan (1791), physicist Max Planck (1858), baseball Hall of Famer Warren Spahn (1921), actress Shirley Temple (1928), musician Roy Orbison (1936), wrestler/actor John Cena (1977), comedian/host John Oliver (1977), baseball Hall of Famer Andruw Jones (1977), and gold medal snowboarder Chloe Kim (2000).
In 1014, the Irish, led by High King Brian Boru, repelled a Viking invasion in the Battle of Clontarf, though Brian Boru himself was killed in the battle.
In 1635, the Boston Latin School was founded. Still in operation continuously on through today, this school is recognized as the first public school in what is now the United States.
In 1985, Coca-Cola released New Coke, a change to its formula. Within three months, they brought back the previous Coca-Cola formula. New Coke survived as Coke II through 2002.
In 2005, the first YouTube video was posted. One of its co-founders released a video titled “Me at the zoo”.
And that’s the way it is in Birdland on April 23. Have a safe Thursday.