BALTIMORE — Orioles fans will have to wait one extra day to watch the 2023 team play at Camden Yards.
A forecast of inclement weather prompted the team to move its home opener, scheduled for Thursday against the New York Yankees, to 3:05 p.m. Friday. The date was previously open on the Orioles’ schedule to account for the possibility of weather. Tickets for Thursday will be valid Friday, and those unable to attend after the change can exchange their tickets at Orioles.com/MyAccount; exchanges must be completed before 6 p.m. Thursday.
The Orioles, who are 3-2 entering top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez’s debut Wednesday against the Texas Rangers, are scheduled to start right-hander Dean Kremer against New York’s Clarke Schmidt.
Friday’s contest marks the team’s first home game in its first official post-rebuild season. After an unexpected 83-79 finish in 2022, the Orioles are eyeing the playoffs in 2023.
Part of their belief in their ability to reach the postseason stems from some of the players who will experience their first opening day at Camden Yards on Friday. Catcher Adley Rutschman was the Most Valuable Oriole last season and finished as the runner-up for American League Rookie of the Year, but he didn’t make his debut until late May. Infielder Gunnar Henderson is the sport’s top overall prospect. After not making Baltimore’s season-opening roster, Rodriguez wasn’t initially expected to be part of the festivities, but Kyle Bradish’s bruised right foot prompted the promotion of one of the best pitchers in the minor leagues.
In the Yankees, the Orioles open their 81-game home slate against an opposing American League East team. Regarded as one of the best divisions in baseball, the AL East features five teams eyeing playoff spots. Baltimore’s season began with a series loss to the Boston Red Sox, though they bounced back with a series win against the Rangers despite Bradish’s injury shuffling their pitching plans.
Gates will open at noon Friday, with pregame festivities scheduled to begin at 2:20 p.m. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and his children will throw out the ceremonial pitch.
