SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles have announced the broadcast team for the 2019 season for MASN, the Orioles Radio Network, and Orioles and MASN digital platforms.
Last month, longtime broadcaster Joe Angel announced his retirement after 19 seasons as the “Voice of the Orioles” on the Orioles Radio Network.
“Joe’s voice has filled the homes of Orioles fans for many years, and his smooth delivery, signature calls and witty humor will be missed,” said Greg Bader, Orioles vice president, communications and marketing. “Joe will be impossible to replace, but we are confident Orioles fans will receive superb game action and news across all Orioles and MASN platforms.
“Whether tuning in on television, radio or following along via digital platforms, our talent will be seen everywhere, and fans will receive top-notch insight into all things Orioles.”
ESPN broadcaster Kevin Brown will join the Orioles Radio Network in 2019, serving as a play-by-play announcer for approximately 50 Orioles games this season. Brown currently serves as a play-by-play commentator on ESPN’s coverage of college football, basketball, hockey and softball.
MASN All-Access host and reporter Sara Perlman will become the network’s sideline reporter. Local media personality and 105.7 The Fan broadcaster Rob Long will join the O’s Xtra pregame and postgame shows as the program’s weekend host. Roch Kubatko brings his unique insights from the “School of Roch” on MASNsports.com to Orioles game broadcasts in an expanded role in 2019.
Returning to their previous in-game roles are veteran broadcasters Gary Thorne and Jim Hunter. Hall of Famer and Orioles legend Jim Palmer will return for his 56th season as a member of the organization. Former Orioles Mike Bordick, Dave Johnson, Ben McDonald, Gregg Olson and Brian Roberts will also provide expert in-game analysis throughout the season.
Orioles Hall of Famer Rick Dempsey will return, as will Tom Davis.
Alberto returns
The Orioles claimed infielder Hanser Alberto off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Friday. The 26-year-old Dominican returns to Baltimore, where he was claimed from the Yankees on Jan. 11. The Orioles designated him for assignment on Feb. 19 for left-handed pitcher Josh Osich, and he was picked up by the Giants on Feb. 22.
Alberto played parts of three seasons (2015, '16, '18) with the Texas Rangers, where he hit .192 in 89 Major League games.
In a corresponding move, the Orioles designated left-handed pitcher Donnie Hart for assignment.
Givens makes debut appearance
Mychal Givens made his spring debut out of the Orioles bullpen on Friday. The right-hander recorded two outs in the third inning, both strikeouts, but they were sandwiched between two hits, a walk and a run.
Givens led all Orioles relievers last season in appearances (69), strikeouts (79), opponents’ batting average (.218), saves (9) and holds (15). He finished last season on a roll, allowing only one hit over 14 1/3 innings in 12 games, while holding opposing hitters to a .023 (1-for-44) batting average over that span.
Sucre arrives
Venezuelan Jesus Sucre finally got his paperwork approved and arrived into Miami late Thursday night. Manager Brandon Hyde remains confident that there is plenty of time to get the non-roster invitee enough looks this spring.
“Everything got approved yesterday, and he got on a flight last night,” Hyde said. “We get him for a few weeks, 24 days or so. He should be good.”
Hyde said he would meet with Sucre to evaluate when he might get the catcher into the lineup.
“I think realistically, four or five days of pitching sides and getting batting practice in,” Hyde said. “We’ll go from there to see if he’s game-ready.”
Sucre will be in an Orioles uniform tomorrow. He was signed to a Minor League contract by the Orioles on Feb. 5 after spending parts of six Major League seasons with Seattle and Tampa Bay. His best season was 2017, when he hit .256 with seven homers in 62 games with the Rays.
Cautious with Karns
Right-handed pitcher Nate Karns will throw a side session on either Saturday or Sunday. He was scratched from a scheduled appearance on Thursday with right arm soreness.
“I talked to him this morning and he said he feels good today,” Hyde said. “Obviously, we’re going to be careful with him, just back off a little bit. We want to break [camp] healthy with Nate.
“Anytime he feels anything at all or any kind of soreness, we’re going to slow play it a little bit and ease him back into it.”
Up next
The Orioles travel to Fort Myers, Fla., on Saturday to meet the Red Sox at JetBlue Park for a 1:05 p.m. ET game. Right-handed pitcher Mike Wright Jr. gets the start for Baltimore. Yefry Ramirez is scheduled to follow with multiple innings planned for him. The Red Sox counter with left-handed starter Brian Johnson.