The first Orioles lineup of the year is here
Taylor Ward is the leadoff hitter on Opening Day. Okay then, good luck.
Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) greets shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) before the start of the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images All spring training, I’ve been wondering how the Orioles would juggle all of their various considerations to set their lineup on Opening Day. Now the day has arrived and we’ve finally got our answer.
Here’s how they’re set for the first game: Taylor Ward – LF Gunnar Henderson – SS Pete Alonso – 1B Adley Rutschman – C Samuel Basallo – DH Tyler O’Neill – RF Colton Cowser – CF Coby Mayo – 3B Blaze Alexander – 2B Trevor Rogers gets the start. As a long-time Dylan Beavers booster, I’m bummed to see him left out here. I’m also not surprised.
The Orioles didn’t sign O’Neill or trade for Ward to have them sit on the bench most of the time that they are healthy. Ward does not seem like the ideal leadoff batter as a guy who had only a . 317 OBP last year.
If he can at least be in the . 330 range, that would be better. The fill-ins for Jackson Holliday at second base and Jordan Westburg at third base have gone as expected based on what the team was doing in spring training.