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

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

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:49am

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Veteran pitchers Justin Verlander and Chris Bassitt, who were offseason acquisitions for the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles respectively, turned in impressive performances as the two teams played to a 1-1 tie in spring training action on Tuesday. Verlander struck out six and allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings, while Bassitt tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings for the Orioles.

Why it matters

The strong showings by Verlander and Bassitt are an encouraging sign for their new teams as they look to build on their offseason moves and make an impact in the upcoming season. The Tigers and Orioles are both hoping these veteran additions can help solidify their pitching rotations and provide leadership for their young rosters.

The details

Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, returned to the Tigers this offseason after spending the last three seasons with the Houston Astros. Bassitt, who spent the last three years with the Toronto Blue Jays, signed with the Orioles in the offseason. In Tuesday's game, Verlander struck out six and walked none, while Bassitt allowed no runs on three hits with four strikeouts. Baltimore's only run came on a fifth-inning homer by Bryan Ramos, while Detroit's lone run scored on an eighth-inning wild pitch.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

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 three seasons with the Houston Astros.

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, providing Baltimore's only run of the game.

Max Clark

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

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 performances by veteran pitchers Verlander and Bassitt in their spring training debuts for the Tigers and Orioles respectively are an encouraging sign for both teams as they look to bolster their pitching rotations and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.