News - Shane Baz to Make Orioles Debut Against Twins

Shane Baz is set to take the mound for the Baltimore Orioles for his much-anticipated debut on Sunday in the conclusion of their series against the Minnesota Twins. This opportunity follows the impressive five-year, $68 million contract extension he recently signed, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the Orioles' pitching lineup. Baz, a right-handed pitcher with a record of 10-12 and an ERA of 4.87 in 31 starts during the 2025 season, has been preparing for this moment since joining Baltimore from the Tampa Bay Rays. Facing the Twins for the second time in his major league career, Baz will be looking to reflect the faith of both the team and the fans with a strong performance. "I know I may not be widely recognized yet by Orioles fans unless they’ve seen me play prior," Baz commented. "But every time I step onto the field, I promise to give everything I have." Both teams enter this game having claimed a win each in the series' previous clashes: the Orioles edged a 2-1 victory on Thursday, while the Twins responded with a 4-1 win on Saturday. In this decisive matchup, Baz will face off against Bailey Ober, the Twins' right-hander, known for his consistency with a 6-9 record and a 5.10 ERA in 2025 alone. Adding to the excitement of the game is the recent contributions from the Twins' young talent, Royce Lewis, who hit a two-run homer in their last game despite being temporarily replaced by a pinch hitter in the series opener. With Baz ready to introduce himself to a new set of fans and solidify his place within the Orioles’ roster, manager Craig Albernaz is urging his team to maintain an aggressive approach. Despite a setback in the form of 16 strikeouts and 11 stranded runners on Saturday, the emphasis is on confidence and on making each at-bat count. Outfielder Colton Cowser expressed high hopes for Baz’s addition, noting the ease with which he has integrated into the team both on and off the field. Similarly, pitcher Zach Eflin, who shares history with Baz from their time with the Rays, believes this moment signifies a "full circle," underscoring the significance of Baz's upcoming debut. Opposing manager Derek Shelton of the Twins, meanwhile, is strategizing to keep his players agile and ready for changes, acknowledging the fluid nature of the game strategy as seen in his past decisions to replace hitters like Lewis when needed. With the series poised at a delicate 1-1 balance, the spotlight is on Baz to potentially tip the scales and provide a memorable start for Orioles fans, as the team looks towards both immediate success and a promising long-term partnership.