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Shane Baz Flash es Electric Stuff in Orioles Spring Debut, Reinforcing Rotation Upside

Baltimore’s hefty trade for the 26-year-old righty reflects confidence in a frontline ceiling.

Overview

  • Making his first Orioles appearance Friday, Baz worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings against the Pirates with four strikeouts, two walks and no hits allowed.
  • His four-seam fastball averaged 96.7 mph and touched 98.6 as he mixed a knuckle curve, cutter and changeup with consistent feel.
  • Manager Craig Albernaz has stated Baz’s upside is Cy Young caliber, and team officials view him as a potential top-of-the-rotation arm.
  • Baltimore acquired Baz from the Rays on Dec. 19 for four prospects and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick, securing three years of club control.
  • Catcher Samuel Basallo reported right-side abdominal discomfort Thursday but said he expects to return to the lineup this weekend.