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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

MLB notes: Baltimore Orioles enjoy travel-light opening to season

The Baltimore Orioles’ early-season schedule is a journey into the past, exclusively on East Coast time.

Baltimore doesn’t play a game outside of the Eastern time zone until June 1 in Houston. Until then, the Orioles won’t have to reset their watches or buckle up for a lengthy plane trip.

The last teams to play all their games in the Eastern time zone through May were the 1932 Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Athletics and Washington Senators, according to STATS LLC.

Back in those days, the train was the preferred mode of travel.

“It wouldn’t be feasible unless they get those bullet trains they have in Japan,” reliever Darren O’Day said. “Now that would be cool.”

Still, Baltimore couldn’t ask for a better way to start the season. The Orioles play 30 games at home in April and May, and their 19-game road slate began with three against Tampa Bay – meaning they never left Florida from spring training.

Their farthest trek before the end of May is to Miami.

Stanton sets Miami homer mark

Giancarlo Stanton became the Marlins’ career home run leader as he hit his 155th on Thursday, tagging Dillon Gee of the Mets for a two-run shot in the first inning. He began the day tied with Dan Uggla.

Clearing the bases

The Cubs called up highly touted third baseman Kris Bryant from Triple-A Iowa. … Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes left the game against the Rays after one at-bat with soreness in his left ribs. … Nationals reliever Craig Stammen has a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm that requires surgery and could force him to miss the rest of the season. … The Phillies dropped struggling first baseman Ryan Howard from fourth to seventh in the lineup for their game against the Nationals. … Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner had an MRI that confirmed he has a bone bruise in his right wrist. … The Blue Jays recalled infielder Ryan Goins from triple-A Buffalo and designated right-handed pitcher Todd Redmond for assignment. … Rays third baseman Evan Longoria left the game against the Blue Jays in the eighth inning after he was hit on the left hip by a pitch.