Baltimore Orioles Wiretap

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth inning after a ball thrown by a young fan from the right-field bleachers struck his right wrist, causing a bruise.

The Orioles won the game 9-5. X-rays on Sanchez's wrist came back negative and he expressed confidence the injury would not affect his availability.

The incident occurred during a stoppage in play. Sanchez glanced toward fans in the bleachers, and a youngster interpreted the look as an invitation to toss him the ball. Sanchez was wearing a bandage on his wrist after the game.

"I wasn't trying to play catch right there," Sanchez said through an interpreter. "I just looked at them, and they thought maybe that I want them to throw the ball. It was a complete misunderstanding."

Toronto manager John Schneider described the fan as approximately 12 years old and said the exchange had appeared friendly before the throw.

"He was kind of talking to a, I think it was a 12-year-old kid ... in a playful manner, like almost, 'Let's play catch,'" Schneider said. "I think the kid took it literally."

Schneider added, "I'm sure the kid feels bad. I'm assuming there's no ill intent there. I think it was just a misunderstanding and bad timing."

An Orioles spokesperson confirmed the club identified the fan and removed them from the ballpark pending a thorough investigation. Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz said the organization does not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

Sanchez said the incident caught him completely off guard but indicated he was ready to move on.

"It hurts a little bit, but thank God it's nothing bad or a fracture," he said. "I'll be all right."

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Wednesday. General manager Mike Elias confirmed the procedure Friday and indicated a return in early 2027 remains a realistic target.

"Pretty normal Tommy John surgery," said Elias. "Obviously this will put him out for the rest of the year. I think it's too early to put a specific timeline on something like this, but him being back as a full player in the early part of 2027 is very much in play."

Westburg, 27, had a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in February in an attempt to avoid surgery and return this season, but the conservative approach did not produce sufficient progress.

"To Jordan's credit, he wanted to try everything he could to come back and help the team this year, and help the team as an infielder, but it just wasn't working out with the conservative route so we went ahead and got the surgery," said Elias. "And I don't think much of anything was lost in terms of his 2027 timeline so that's why we went with that approach."

Westburg consulted with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache this week before deciding to proceed. ElAttrache performed the operation.

The 2024 All-Star has dealt with a string of injuries across two seasons. Last year, problems with his left hamstring, left index finger and right ankle limited him to 85 games. He batted .265 with 17 home runs and 41 RBI in those appearances.

Trey Gibson, a 23-year-old right-hander ranked as the Baltimore Orioles' No. 3 prospect, will be brought up Sunday to start against the New York Yankees in his major league debut.

Gibson had a 4.66 ERA in 9⅔ innings during three spring training appearances with the Orioles this year, then was 2-2 with a 4.01 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Norfolk, striking out 25 and walking 12 in 24⅔ innings.

"It's going to be a fun day for him," Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Saturday.

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on MASN (Orioles feed) and Bally Sports Kansas City (Royals feed), with national coverage on FOX Sports 1. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Baltimore Orioles (10-12) head to Kauffman Stadium this Monday, April 20, to kick off a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals (7-15). Baltimore has been one of the most active teams in the 2026 landscape, most notably signing superstar Pete Alonso to a massive five-year deal and trading for Taylor Ward. Despite the high-profile additions, the O's are looking for more consistency after a streaky start to the season.

The Royals are looking to snap a losing streak and find their footing at home. The offense remains centered on Bobby Witt Jr., who continues to be a dynamic threat on the basepaths with eight stolen bases early this season. However, Kansas City will have to contend with a Baltimore pitching staff that has been bolstered by veteran additions but is currently navigating a significant injury list. Catch every highlight live on Fubo.

The pitching duel features Kyle Bradish (RHP) for Baltimore, who is looking to lower his 5.49 ERA after a difficult start to April. He’ll be countered by the Royals' Seth Lugo (RHP), who has been nearly untouchable through his first three outings with a sparkling 1.48 ERA. With the Orioles averaging nearly five runs per game when their core is healthy, Lugo will face his toughest test of 2026. You can witness this AL clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for the Orioles is their resilience amid an injury crisis that has sidelined stars Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg. For Kansas City, the focus is on supporting Lugo; the Royals have struggled to provide run support for their starters, leading to a frustrating 7-15 record despite strong pitching metrics. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Orioles vs. Royals Betting Odds & Predictions

The Orioles enter the series opener as narrow favorites. Despite playing on the road and Lugo's dominance, oddsmakers are banking on Baltimore's superior lineup depth to carry the day.

Prediction: Seth Lugo has been elite, but the Orioles' lineup—even when shorthanded—possesses a league-leading barrel rate. Expect a tight contest decided by the bullpens. Final Score: Orioles 5, Royals 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite power of Gunnar Henderson against the deceptive movement of Seth Lugo. Henderson has already tallied 7 home runs in the first three weeks of 2026.

Kansas City relies on the speed of Bobby Witt Jr. and the contact hitting of Maikel Garcia to anchor an offense that looks to exploit Baltimore's early-season rotation issues.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like MASN and ROYL, national broadcasts on FS1, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Orioles or Royals.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Orioles as they aim to conquer the AL East.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired pitcher Chayce McDermott from the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Axel Perez.

In five Triple-A Norfolk appearances, McDermott was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in five appearances. McDermott has one career MLB start.

Perez went 1-1 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 games for the Dominican Summer League Dodgers last year. 

Monday’s interleague opener will be broadcast locally on MASN (Orioles feed) and Dbacks.TV (Arizona feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Arizona Diamondbacks (9-7) head to the East Coast this Monday, April 13, to open a three-game set against the Baltimore Orioles (8-7). Both teams have navigated a competitive start to the 2026 season, with Arizona holding a slim edge in the standings despite a laundry list of injuries to their rotation. Baltimore enters the series riding a two-game winning streak and looking to solidify their spot at the top of the AL East.

The Diamondbacks' lineup has been surprisingly ignited by Ildemaro Vargas, who is hitting a blistering .394. He joins stars Corbin Carroll and Nolan Arenado in a lineup that remains dangerous. Baltimore counters with their own MVP candidate, Gunnar Henderson, who leads the team with 6 home runs and 12 RBIs. Despite missing Adley Rutschman due to an ankle injury, the O's have remained offensive juggernauts. Catch every pitch live on Fubo.

The pitching duel features Arizona's Ryne Nelson (RHP) against Baltimore's Trevor Rogers (LHP). Nelson is looking to find consistency in a rotation missing Corbin Burnes and Merrill Kelly, while Rogers is aiming for his third win of the young season. You can witness this interleague clash streaming live on Fubo.

The key storyline for the Orioles is managing their injury-depleted roster, with Tyler O'Neill and Adley Rutschman both on the IL. For Arizona, the main focus is their road performance, as they look to improve on a 4-5 away record. With both bullpens featuring high-leverage arms like Paul Sewald and Ryan Helsley, late-game execution will be paramount. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Diamondbacks vs. Orioles Betting Odds & Predictions

The Orioles enter as slight home favorites. While the Diamondbacks have a slightly better record, Baltimore’s home-field advantage and Trevor Rogers' strong start to 2026 give them the edge with oddsmakers.

Prediction: Camden Yards often favors left-handed power, but without Rutschman, the O's will rely heavily on Henderson. If Ryne Nelson can keep the ball on the ground, Arizona has a chance for the upset, but Baltimore’s bullpen momentum should prevail. Final Score: Orioles 5, Diamondbacks 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features Gunnar Henderson against the sinker-heavy approach of Ryne Nelson. Henderson has been a force at the plate, already tallying 12 runs scored this season.

Arizona relies on Corbin Carroll and the veteran presence of Nolan Arenado to anchor a lineup that has been surprisingly resilient despite rotation injuries.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like MASN and Dbacks.TV, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Diamondbacks or Orioles.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Orioles as they chase another division title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Major League Baseball's average salary climbed 3.4% to a record $5.34 million on Opening Day, according to an Associated Press study, with the New York Mets topping league payrolls for the fourth consecutive year at $352.2 million.

Mets outfielder Juan Soto remains the sport's highest-paid player for the second straight season at $61.9 million annually, placing him among the highest-compensated athletes across all major North American professional sports. New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ranks second at $42.5 million, followed by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, who are tied at $42 million. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits fifth at $40.2 million, just ahead of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge at $40 million.

Across sports, the top of the market is converging. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott carries an average annual value of approximately $60 million in the NFL, while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry earns $59.6 million in the NBA this season, putting all three leagues within a narrow range at the very top of the pay scale.

The broader salary picture, however, differs considerably by sport. The NBA's average salary for roster players sits just under $14 million during the 2025-26 season, driven by smaller rosters that concentrate league revenue among fewer players. The NFL average was approximately $3.2 million in 2025, reflecting the league's significantly larger rosters. MLB's $5.34 million average falls between the two, though roster sizes in baseball and football are substantially larger than in basketball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ranked second in MLB payroll at $316.6 million, down slightly from $319.5 million last year. Their figure would rise to $395.2 million without present-value discounting applied to deferred contracts for nine players.

MLB's average salary has grown 28 percent under the current five-year collective bargaining agreement, which expires in December, an average annual increase of 5.6%. Six clubs carried payrolls above $250 million, up from four a year ago, while eight teams fell below $100 million, an increase from five.

The Detroit Tigers posted the largest year-over-year spending increase at $64.2 million, reaching $206.7 million after signing pitcher Framber Valdez and giving a significant raise to ace Tarik Skubal through arbitration. The Minnesota Twins recorded the steepest decline, slashing $46.3 million from its Opening Day payroll to settle at $96.5 million.

The Cleveland Guardians were the MLB's lowest-spending team at $62.3 million, less than one-fifth of the Mets' total outlay.

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on MASN (Orioles feed) and CHSN (White Sox feed). First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET (4:40 PM PT). Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Baltimore Orioles head to the South Side this Monday, April 6, to kick off a three-game set against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. The Orioles (3-6) are eager to break a three-game losing streak and find their rhythm on the road, while the White Sox (4-5) aim to capitalize on the early-season excitement surrounding their new-look roster. 

Expect plenty of young talent on display as Baltimore's core of Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman faces a Chicago squad energized by the arrival of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. The White Sox have been aggressive early in the season, relying on high-velocity arms and a reconstructed middle infield. Catch every inning and every highlight live on Fubo. 

The individual matchups in this series are fascinating. Baltimore's offense is centered around reigning Silver Slugger winner Gunnar Henderson, who stole 30 bases and hit 17 home runs last year despite an injury-shortened campaign. The White Sox counter with Luis Robert Jr., whose 33 steals in 2025 ranked fifth in the AL. With both teams looking to climb above .500, the stakes are high for this April clash.

The pitching duel features Chicago's Grant Taylor (RHP) making the start, coming off a strong season debut where he posted a 2.25 ERA. The Orioles have yet to officially announce their starter as they navigate a rotation hampered by early injuries to Zach Eflin and others. You can witness this American League battle streaming live on Fubo.

Baltimore’s ability to limit Chicago's power threats like Andrew Benintendi and the rookie Murakami will be key to snapping their skid. The White Sox bullpen, led by Seranthony Domínguez, will need to be sharp against an Orioles lineup that remains dangerous from top to bottom. With the Chicago weather warming up, this series promises plenty of fireworks. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Orioles vs. White Sox Betting Odds & Predictions

The Orioles enter as road favorites despite their recent struggles, reflecting their deep lineup and 2025 success. However, the White Sox have shown resilience at home and possess the power to pull off an upset.

Prediction: Baltimore has historically performed well when allowing 4 or fewer runs, and their offense is due for a breakout. While Chicago's home crowd and the Murakami factor are significant, the Orioles' veteran leadership should help them find the win column. Final Score: Orioles 5, White Sox 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite multi-tool game of Gunnar Henderson against Chicago's center-field anchor Luis Robert Jr. Both players are essential to their team's run production.

Chicago relies on the power of Munetaka Murakami and the speed of Luis Robert Jr. to anchor their offense.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like MASN and CHSN, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Orioles or White Sox.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Orioles as they aim for another deep postseason run in the AL East.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Baltimore Orioles have signed right-hander Shane Baz to a five-year, $68 million contract, sources told ESPN, doubling down on a pitcher acquired via trade this winter as the Orioles overhaul a rotation that was a clear liability last season.

Baz, 26, has logged just 286 major league innings due to recurring injuries, including an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction that cost him all of 2023 and half of 2024. He has not missed a start since returning.

Despite a 4.87 ERA last season with the Tampa Bay Rays, Baz struck out 176 batters across 166⅓ innings, strong evidence that his premium arsenal remains intact. His fastball sits at 96 mph and peaks at 99, complemented by four additional pitches including a sharp knuckle curve.

Baltimore surrendered four prospects and the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 draft to acquire Baz over the winter. The extension covers the current season, three arbitration years and two free-agent seasons, buying out what would have been his 2029 open-market eligibility.

The 12th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Baz was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates before moving to Tampa Bay in the Chris Archer trade. He drew significant prospect attention by 2021 before elbow complications derailed his development.

Baltimore finished 75-87 last season and missed the postseason for the first time in three years. The rotation has since been substantially rebuilt. Trevor Rogers delivered seven shutout innings on Opening Day, Kyle Bradish returned from Tommy John surgery last year, and veterans Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin were added as free agents this winter.

Baz is projected to slot in the middle of the rotation as Baltimore bets on his upside translating into front-end production.