Sarasota, Fla. — As the Baltimore Orioles faced the Minnesota Twins in a Grapefruit League game on Tuesday, some key players remained at Ed Smith Stadium to participate in live batting practice sessions. Among those was newly signed starter Chris Bassitt, 35, who took the mound for his first live action since joining the Orioles on a one-year, $18.5 million contract signed early in spring camp.
Bassitt eased into his preparation with multiple bullpen sessions before being cleared to pitch against Orioles teammates, including hitters Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward, and Thairo Estrada. He completed two modified innings, or “ups,” based on his pitch count, striking out two batters looking while issuing three walks, including two to left-handed hitter Henderson. He successfully limited hard contact during the session, signaling steady progression.
Reflecting on the experience, Bassitt said,
“I don’t like facing our hitters. You can’t really work a lot [of] what you want to do. So, the next one will be in games, thankfully, so, yeah, it’s just there’s nothing really gained for me to face our hitters in the aspect of, I’m not trying to throw in and work things. I’m protecting them. They’re protecting me. So, it’s just more so just getting reps.”
On-Field Exchanges Highlight Bassitt and Alonso’s Competitive Fire
A notable moment in Bassitt’s live batting practice came during his second encounter with first baseman Pete Alonso. Allegations surfaced that Bassitt was initially avoiding Alonso by calling for Henderson to take an extra at-bat to face more left-handed pitching reps. When Bassitt finally pitched to Alonso, he committed to one fastball, which Alonso popped up and immediately expressed frustration returning to the dugout.
Bassitt joked, “You knew what was coming.” Alonso shot back, “No I didn’t,” referencing the pitcher’s extensive repertoire before Bassitt reminded him, “I told you one pitch.” This spirited exchange quickly gained attention on social media, emphasizing the competitive energy among Orioles teammates.
Bassitt’s Upcoming Orioles Debut and Season Preparation
While Bassitt has not committed to an exact spring game debut, he is tentatively expected to start on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox. He expressed satisfaction with the way his physical condition and game readiness have advanced, aiming to build up properly over the remaining weeks before opening day to align with the rest of the Orioles’ rotation.
“Just making sure that I’m physically in the right spot. I feel really, really good right now. I feel great about the buildup, so to speak, and the game plan to get into the season,”
Bassitt stated.
“Now it’s just more so just building the right way. We have a little bit of runway to kind of get us where we want to go for obviously the opening day kind of thing in the aspect of pitch count and innings and all that stuff, so I can help us any way we can.”
Zach Eflin’s Gradual Return Following Back Surgery
Like Bassitt, starting pitcher Zach Eflin has progressed carefully this spring after undergoing back surgery last August. He is scheduled to complete live bullpen work on Friday, marking his first multiple “ups” session, and anticipates making his game debut soon thereafter. Despite this slower ramp-up compared to his teammates, Eflin remains optimistic about being ready for the season opener.
Eflin shared,
“I’ve had a slower spring than this and still been ready for the season. So, it’s not something I haven’t done before. I don’t necessarily need to hit certain check boxes that everybody else needs to to be ready for the season. I know how to prepare myself and be ready for the games. So, I think it’s going to be more so of a conversation of how we’re feeling after every outing and being open and honest and kind of just take it from there.”
However, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz sounded more cautious regarding Eflin’s readiness, emphasizing a day-by-day evaluation approach rather than setting a firm timeline to avoid risking injury.
Albernaz noted,
“I think we’re just taking one day at a time with Eflin. I think it’s just every time when he throws, coming off the back injury, we want to make sure that each step is made. So, not to look ahead too far to opening day. But for me, it’s just every time he touches the mound, let’s evaluate from there and see where he’s at.”
Rotation Management and Injury Considerations for Opening Day
The availability of Eflin, 31, will be essential for the Orioles’ opening rotation decisions as the team manages several starters. Baltimore currently has six starters, with pitcher Tyler Wells sometimes included as a seventh option. To protect arms returning from injury, such as Eflin and Kyle Bradish, the Orioles may consider a six-man rotation to better limit workloads and preserve overall health.
Tuesday’s Spring Win Over Twins Highlights Team Depth
On the field, the Orioles defeated the Twins 10-5 in their road Grapefruit League game, improving their spring record to 2-2-1. Every starting position player reached base at least once, led by center fielder Leody Taveras, who recorded two doubles among his three hits. Third baseman Coby Mayo, second baseman Jeremiah Jackson, and shortstop Luis Vázquez also contributed multiple hits, though Mayo committed his first throwing error of the spring.
On the mound, Albert Suárez allowed one run over two innings before a series of relievers took the mound. Closer Ryan Helsley made his first Grapefruit League appearance for Baltimore, delivering a scoreless inning and reaching 97.7 mph on his fastball. Yennier Cano gave up two unearned runs, but otherwise the bullpen maintained solid control aside from minor league call-up Zane Barnhart, who surrendered two runs in the ninth inning.
Impactful Debut by Orioles’ Top Prospect Ike Irish
The Orioles’ 2025 first-round draft pick Ike Irish also made his spring training debut in right field during Tuesday’s game. Irish, 22, who was initially drafted as a catcher, doubled on a line drive in his only at-bat. He has shown positional versatility, having played outfield and first base during his minor league experience last summer, adding valuable depth and flexibility to Baltimore’s roster options.
Significance of Player Progress as Orioles Prepare for 2026 Season
As Baltimore moves deeper into spring training, the gradual returns of pitchers like Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin are pivotal to the team’s competitive outlook for 2026. Bassitt’s ramp-up and projected debut will add stability and experience to the starting rotation, while Eflin’s recovery remains a key component for the Orioles’ pitching depth. Manager Craig Albernaz’s cautious approach to Eflin’s workload underscores the importance of health management as the club navigates its preparation.
The ongoing development of young talent such as Ike Irish and the overall strong performance of position players in recent games highlight Baltimore’s progress beyond expectations. This combination of emerging prospects and veteran leadership positions the Orioles well as they aim to build momentum heading into the regular season.
The banter between Chris Bassitt and Pete Alonso is already elite.
Alonso popped it up and groaned, “Dammit.”
“You knew what was coming,” Bassitt said
“No I didn’t,” Alonso shot back.
“I told you one pitch.” pic.twitter.com/rfpR6Yjno4
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) February 24, 2026
