Astros Face Orioles in Spring Training Matchup

Rookie pitcher Colton Gordon takes the mound for Houston against Baltimore's Shane Baz

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Houston Astros (1-6-3) travel to Sarasota, Florida to take on the Baltimore Orioles (5-4-1) in a Grapefruit League spring training game. Left-hander Colton Gordon, one of the Astros' top pitching prospects, will make his third appearance of the spring for Houston, while right-hander Shane Baz will start for the Orioles.

Why it matters

Spring training games provide an early look at up-and-coming players and give teams a chance to evaluate their rosters before the regular season begins. Gordon had a solid rookie campaign in 2025 and is looking to build on that performance, while the Orioles are hoping Baz can solidify their rotation.

The details

Gordon, 24, recorded a 5.34 ERA in 20 games (14 starts) for the Astros last season, but showed promise by ranking first among AL rookies in walks per nine innings (1.99) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.79). Baz, 26, is vying for a spot in the Orioles' starting rotation after making his MLB debut in 2025. The Astros have 61 players in spring training, including 34 pitchers, 7 catchers, 11 infielders and 9 outfielders.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 12:05 p.m. CST.

The players

Colton Gordon

A 24-year-old left-handed pitcher and one of the Astros' top pitching prospects, who made 20 appearances (14 starts) for the team in 2025.

Shane Baz

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, who is vying for a spot in the team's starting rotation after making his MLB debut in 2025.

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The takeaway

This spring training matchup between the Astros and Orioles provides an early look at some of the up-and-coming talent in the league, as both teams evaluate their rosters and prepare for the upcoming regular season.