Orioles minor league recap 4/3: Henderson makes diving catch, Norfolk arms dominate

The Tides beat the Knights as Henderson (maybe) wraps up his rehab, and Weston impresses in debut.

Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 3, Charlotte Knights (White Sox) 1

In what may prove to be his final rehab game, Gunnar Henderson went 0-for-3 and was removed after the sixth inning due to a rain delay. There was little to say about his work at the plate, but he did make a nice diving catch in the field. The intercostal looks strong to me.

Henderson is now eligible to be activated to the major league roster at any time. The Orioles will surely be champing at the bit to do so, but will also want to be certain that he is fully fit before making that decision.

As for this game, it was the Norfolk pitching staff that stole all of the attention. Four different arms combined to allow just one run on three hits, three walks, and 16 strikeouts.

Cameron Weston started on the bump and made his Triple-A debut. The 2022 draft pick out of Michigan was responsible for the lone run allowed in this game. It came on a solo homer in the first inning, and would also prove to be the only hit he served up in the entire outing. He added just one walk and six strikeouts to cap his lovely debut at the level.

Justin Armbruester followed with two shutout innings and three strikeouts. Luis González added a shutout inning of his own. And then Rodolfo Martinez stepped up and struck out five over the final two frames of the game.

Norfolk’s offense managed to score three runs on six hits, three walks, and a Charlotte error. Daz Cameron was the only member of the lineup with multiple hits, which included a double. Maverick Handley recorded a triple. Samuel Basallo walked once, while Coby Mayo took an 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

The Tides first run came in the third inning. After the Handley triple, he was brought home by a Jordyn Adams sac fly. They scored again in the seventh. Cameron doubled with one out, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a Luis Vázquez single. Their final run of the day came in the ninth inning. Vimael Machín led off with a single, scooted to second on a Cameron single, stole third base, and headed home on an errant pickoff throw from the opposing pitcher.

Box Score

Thursday’s Schedule

Norfolk at Charlotte, 7:04 pm. Starter: Thaddeus Ward (0-1, 2.25 ERA)

Note: The Chesapeake Baysox (Double-A), Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A), and Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A) all begin their seasons on April 4th.