Orioles Announce Opening Day Starter vs. Angels

The Baltimore Orioles confirmed the obvious on Sunday, naming Corbin Burnes their Opening-Day starter when the Orioles host the Los Angeles Angels on March 28 at Camden Yards.

Game time is set for 3:05 p.m. as the Orioles embark on defending their American League East crown and going further than the AL Divisional round in the playoffs.

Burnes wasn’t a part of last year’s run. The Orioles acquired him last month from the Milwaukee Brewers for two players, including pitcher DL Hall.

But, according to MLB.com, Burnes is excited for the opportunity. He pitched in Baltimore’s spring training game on Sunday.

"It's a great feeling,” Burnes said after his outing. “Not many guys can say they've started Opening Day. So for me to do it 3 years now — and 3 years in a row — is pretty special. I'm glad to take the ball Opening Day."

Burnes is the Orioles’ biggest offseason acquisition. The other was signing closer Craig Kimbrel.

Burnes will make $16 million this season and then hit free agency. The Orioles are an obvious suitor, but this will be the pitcher’s first time testing free agency and his credentials will likely lead to a multi-year contract.

Burnes has won at least 10 games each of his last three seasons and in 2021 he had an MLB-low 2.43 ERA. In 2023 he went 10-8 with a 3.39 ERA in 32 starts and had an NL-best WHIP of 1.069. He also won the 2021 Cy Young award.

The Orioles are coming off a 101-win season and feel they have unfinished business after losing to the Texas Rangers in a three-game sweep in the AL Division Series.

The Rangers went on to win the World Series. The Orioles have not won one since 1983.