Opening Day game thread: vs Twins, 3:05

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 13, 2026: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on March 13, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

Spring training is over, the bunting at Camden Yards has been hung, and a new season of Orioles baseball is just about to start. No matter the quality of the team on the field, or the outcome of the game, Opening Day in Baltimore is a special. The 2026 iteration is shaping up to be particularly lovely.

You couldn’t ask for better weather for the occasion. Temperatures are expected to sit in the mid-70s for the duration of the game, and any winds in the area should be mild. If you are fortunate enough

to be at the Yard, you are in for a treat.

Craig Albernaz’s first lineup as Orioles manager is about what you would have expected. Taylor Ward is your lead off hitter, as was teased throughout the spring. Both Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo are in the lineup. Mr. Opening Day, Tyler O’Neill, begins the day in right field, where he looks to extend his home run streak on the first day of the season to seven years in a row. Blaze Alexander starts at second baseman.

That gives us a bench of Dylan Beavers, Jeremiah Jackson, Ryan Mountcastle, and Leody Taveras. That’s decent versatility to shore up a potential win later on.

We know Trevor Rogers will start the day on the bump, and if the Orioles have a lead late we can expect Ryan Helsley in the ninth. The bridge between the two, however, is a complete mystery at this moment. My best guess would be some combination of Rico Garcia, Grant Wolfram, and Tyler Wells, but that is based on nothing but vibes. Hopefully Albernaz has a more analytic-based plan in place.

Alright, enough talk! The road to the playoffs starts today. Let’s get it going with a win!

Orioles lineup