Orioles' Baz Shows Promise in Debut Despite Early Trouble

Newly acquired right-hander struggles early but settles in during 5 1/3-inning outing against Twins

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:51pm

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In his debut for the Baltimore Orioles, 26-year-old right-hander Shane Baz had a rocky start, allowing four runs in the second inning. However, he settled in and showed flashes of the potential that made the Orioles acquire him in a major trade with the Rays this offseason, retiring the Twins' side in order in the first and third innings and escaping trouble in the fourth and fifth innings.

Why it matters

The Orioles are extremely high on Baz's upside and recently signed him to a five-year, $68 million extension, making him the highest-paid pitcher in franchise history. His debut provided an early glimpse into why the team is so excited about his potential as a future top-of-the-rotation arm.

The details

Baz allowed seven hits and four runs in the second inning, including an RBI infield single and a bases-clearing three-run double. But he settled in, retiring the side in order in the first and third innings and escaping trouble in the fourth and fifth. His final line was 5 1/3 innings, seven hits, four runs, four strikeouts and no walks, throwing 78 pitches with 53 strikes. His four-seam fastball averaged 97.1 mph and maxed out at 99.6 mph, and his knuckle curve and cutter also showed promise.

  • Baz made his Orioles debut on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Shane Baz

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who the Orioles acquired in a major trade with the Rays this offseason and recently signed to a five-year, $68 million extension, making him the highest-paid pitcher in franchise history.

Trevor Larnach

A Twins outfielder who had an RBI infield single in the second inning against Baz.

Tristan Gray

A Twins infielder who hit a bases-clearing three-run double in the second inning against Baz.

Coby Mayo

An Orioles third baseman who turned an unassisted 5-3 double play to help Baz escape trouble in the fourth inning.

Luke Keaschall

A Twins player who Baz got to pop out on his final pitch in the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“He's got a deeper bag than maybe the world and the game has seen at this point. I think he's got some pitchability. He's just so, so talented.”

— Drew French, Orioles Pitching Coach

“I don't think they're wrong. I think that I'm obviously confident in my ability. I know there's a lot more stuff I can improve on and a lot of low-hanging fruit. I think they're right, and just to have that belief behind me, I can get better at a few things that can make a really big difference.”

— Shane Baz

What’s next

Baz will look to build on his debut performance in his next start for the Orioles.

The takeaway

Despite some early struggles, Baz's debut provided a glimpse of the potential that made the Orioles so eager to acquire him and sign him to a lucrative long-term extension. With his electric stuff and the organization's belief in his ability, Baz could develop into a top-of-the-rotation arm for Baltimore.