News Update: Morton named Orioles’ starter for second game, updates on Henderson, Bautista, Rodriguez and more

SARASOTA, Fla. – Charlie Morton will start the second game of the season on March 28 against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Two-thirds of the rotation is confirmed.

Zach Eflin is the Opening Day starter on March 27. Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano, who pitches tonight, will slot further down.

Morton, 41, has tossed six scoreless innings in his three spring starts. He signed a $15 million contract in January and is entering his 18th major league season.

Morton named Orioles' starter for second game, updates on Henderson,  Bautista, Rodriguez and more - Blog

“He’s been everything,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He’s been an amazing influence on our team so far already. Just with his interactions with guys. He’s throwing the ball extremely well, he looks great. That’s just Charlie Morton.

“The stuff he’s thrown out every time out has been really good. He’s brought a lot to our team already.”

Shortstop Gunnar Henderson worked out again today and is taking batting practice, but he hasn’t played since Feb. 27 due to a strained right intercostal. Four exhibition games remain after tonight, including Monday afternoon in D.C.

“We’re still hopeful, but we are running out of time right now,” Hyde said. “We haven’t made a final decision on that.”

Livan Soto could head to Toronto if Henderson isn’t ready. He’s 15-for-37 (.405) with a .990 OPS in 15 games and he’s able to play shortstop. Vimael Machín’s best position is second base.

Félix Bautista hasn’t appeared in a game since Friday against the Twins, but he’s thrown on the back fields. His status also remains uncertain.

Hyde said “no” when asked whether he’s confident that Bautista will be on the Opening Day roster.

“We’re still talking about our roster,” Hyde added. “We haven’t solidified anything there yet.”

There’s a possibility that a third bullpen spot opens if Bautista is removed from it and Albert Suárez replaces Grayson Rodriguez in the rotation.

Andrew Kittredge will go on the injured list and could miss at least two months after undergoing cartilage repair surgery on his left knee.

Rodriguez played catch for the second time, following up Tuesday’s flat-ground session.

Corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera said his left shoulder is feeling better but he remains unavailable to play. He wasn’t expected to make the team and he’s out of options.

Relievers behind Sugano tonight include Keegan Akin, Matt Bowman and Seranthony Domínguez.

Eflin makes his final exhibition start Saturday afternoon against the Pirates – and Paul Skenes again – in Bradenton.

Related Posts

🚨 BREAKING: Mets sign OF Melendez to a one‑year contract — New York adds speed and pop to the outfield mix in a savvy offseason move! With Melendez locked in, expectations are rising that he could provide a spark atop the lineup and bolster depth across the diamond. Is this the missing piece the Mets needed to make noise in 2026? The MLB world is paying attention..ll 👇👇👇

NEW YORK METS SIGN MJ MELENDEZ TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT: A MOVE TO ADD DEPTH TO THE OUTFIELD 🚨 MET’S NEW ACQUISITION TO STRENGTHEN OUTFIELD DEPTH: The New…

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Bo Bichette is the top projected NY Mets newcomer, but the second name on the list may surprise every fan — Mets insiders are buzzing as projections place an unexpected star right behind Bichette! With New York gearing up for a massive offseason shakeup, these two additions could redefine the roster’s trajectory. The MLB landscape might not be ready for what’s coming next..ll 👇👇👇

MARCUS SEMIEN PROJECTED TO OUTPERFORM FREDDY PERALTA IN 2026 WAR PROJECTIONS FOR NEW YORK METS 🚨 A SURPRISING PROJECTION FOR THE NEW METS: As the New York…

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Dodgerѕ’ Dаve Robertѕ thrіlled to hаve Kіké Hernаndez, Evаn Phіllірѕ bаck – LA’ѕ mаnаger іѕ over the moon аѕ two key рlаyerѕ return, reаdy to mаke аn іmmedіаte іmраct on the рlаyoff рuѕh! The excіtement іѕ раlраble аѕ Hernаndez аnd Phіllірѕ brіng energy аnd exрerіence bаck to the ѕquаd. Could thіѕ dynаmіc duo be the mіѕѕіng ріece for а deeр рoѕtѕeаѕon run? The MLB world іѕ buzzіng..ll 👇👇👇

LOS ANGELES DODGERS MAKE MOVES WITH KEY RE-SIGNINGS AND NEW ADDITIONS 🚨 DODGERS CONTINUE OFFSEASON STRATEGY WITH VETERAN MOVES: The Los Angeles Dodgers are not slowing down…

🚨 BREAKING: Dodgers’ Max Muncy, Enrique Hernandez agree to deals – the powerhouse duo is locked in, sending shockwaves through the league as LA continues to build its championship contender! Fans are fired up as the pair’s return strengthens the roster and puts the Dodgers in prime position for another title run. Can this be the move that secures their future? The MLB world is watching..ll 👇👇👇

LOS ANGELES DODGERS MAKE MOVES WITH MAX MUNCY EXTENSION, ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ RETURN, AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS 🚨 DODGERS EXTEND MUNCY, RE-SIGN HERNANDEZ, AND CONTINUE OFFSEASON ACTIVITY: The Los…

🚨 BOMBSHELL: Mariners’ whiff on Roki Sasaki looks like a blessing amid Dodgers drama – what seemed like a missed opportunity is now looking like a stroke of luck as the Japanese phenom’s situation turns chaotic! With the Dodgers in turmoil, Seattle’s decision may have just saved them from a major disaster. Could this unexpected twist be the break the Mariners needed? The MLB world is in disbelief..ll 👇👇👇

SEATTLE MARINERS ESCAPE THE HEADACHE OF PURSUING ROKI SASAKI: A “WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN” STORY 🚨 A TURN OF FORTUNE FOR THE MARINERS: As Seattle Mariners fans…

🚨 BOMBSHELL: Yankees receive concerning injury update on breakout postseason pitcher – the rising star’s health is now in serious jeopardy, and the team’s playoff hopes could be on the line! With the latest setback, New York faces a critical crossroads as they wait for more news. Could this be the blow that derails their championship run? The MLB world is on edge..ll 👇👇👇

NEW YORK YANKEES FACE SETBACK WITH CAM SCHLITTLER’S BACK INJURY, BUT HOPE REMAINS FOR 2026 🚨 A BUMP IN THE ROAD FOR THE YANKEES’ PITCHING STAFF: As…