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Podcast: Your first place Orioles…?
TL;DR
The Baltimore Orioles have improved to an 8-7 record, tying for first place after a 5-1 week. Despite injuries, the team shows promise with strong offensive performance and a resilient bullpen.
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 12: Samuel Basallo #29 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 12, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In last week’s episode of the podcast, there wasn’t much to be happy about with the Orioles since they were coming off a 1-5 week. They may not have entirely chased the concerns away from everyone’s minds by flipping that around and going 5-1 since that time, but it’s an awfully nice start, and thanks to chaos elsewhere in the American League, the team is tied for first place with an 8-7 record. It’s better than a lot of alternatives.
This week, I’m trying to absorb the impact of the injuries the team has suffered over the last few days. There’s just no replacement for “Adley Rutschman who’s finally hitting like we’ve hoped for the last two seasons.” The Orioles have been showing a lot of faith in Samuel Basallo by batting him exclusively fourth or fifth in the lineup. The pressure’s on even more now.
Fortunately, many other areas of the team are holding it together through the chaos. The offense has the sixth-best OPS of MLB teams. The bullpen has, on the whole, been better than expected, though there have been a couple of disastrous outings from guys who may not tarry long on the active roster. It’s not a guarantee that the Orioles avoid something unfortunate like last year. So far, at least, they’re on a better path.
Check out the episode here:
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This is my weekly podcast about whatever is going on lately with the Orioles. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe. You can get the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.
How are you feeling about the way things are going so far? Answers could make it into the mailbag section of the next episode of the podcast.
Q&A
What is the current record of the Baltimore Orioles as of April 2026?
The Baltimore Orioles have an 8-7 record as of April 2026.
Who is Samuel Basallo and what role is he playing in the Orioles' lineup?
Samuel Basallo is a player for the Baltimore Orioles who has been batting fourth or fifth in the lineup, taking on increased responsibility due to team injuries.
How has the Orioles' bullpen performed this season?
The Orioles' bullpen has generally exceeded expectations, although there have been a few poor performances from some players on the active roster.
