Spring training roundup: Offseason acquisitions shine as Tigers, Orioles tie

Verlander, Bassitt deliver strong starts as Detroit and Baltimore play to 1-1 draw

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Offseason acquisitions Justin Verlander and Chris Bassitt set the tone on the mound as the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles battled to a 1-1 tie in spring training action Tuesday at Lakeland, Fla. The 43-year-old Verlander, who won his first of his three Cy Young Awards with the Tigers in 2011, returned to Detroit this offseason and struck out six while walking none over 4 1/3 innings of one-run work to lower his spring ERA to 5.40. Bassitt, 37, signed with the Orioles after spending the last three years with Toronto and was even better in his start, allowing no runs on three hits with four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings to lower his ERA to 2.51.

Why it matters

The strong outings from Verlander and Bassitt, two veteran pitchers who joined new teams this offseason, are encouraging signs for the Tigers and Orioles as they look to bolster their rotations and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.

The details

Bryan Ramos provided Baltimore's only run with a fifth-inning homer, while Detroit's sole run came on an eighth-inning wild pitch from Jose Espada which scored Max Clark. The teams each stranded eight runners and were a combined 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida.

The players

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old pitcher who won his first of three Cy Young Awards with the Detroit Tigers in 2011. He returned to the Tigers this offseason after spending the last several years with other teams.

Chris Bassitt

A 37-year-old pitcher who signed with the Baltimore Orioles this offseason after spending the last three years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bryan Ramos

An Orioles player who hit a fifth-inning home run in the game.

Max Clark

A Tigers player who scored the team's lone run on a wild pitch in the eighth inning.

Jose Espada

The Orioles pitcher who threw the wild pitch that allowed the Tigers' run to score in the eighth inning.

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The takeaway

The strong outings from veteran pitchers Verlander and Bassitt in their first spring training appearances with their new teams are an encouraging sign for the Tigers and Orioles as they look to bolster their rotations and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.