Orioles reveal date for Corbin Burnes' spring training debut

Excitement levels in Baltimore were through the roof at the end of January and the start of February when it was announced the team was being sold. One day later, they went out and got an ace for the top of their rotation by getting Corbin Burnes in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

When spring training started, excitement deflated when it was announced that Kyle Bradish and John Means would miss the start of the season due to injury. Spring training has kept chugging on, with the first game for the Orioles just two days away.

It was reported on Thursday morning that Burnes, the new head honcho of the rotation, would make his first appearance in his new uniform on February 24, the Orioles first game of the spring. They play host to a division rival, the Boston Red Sox.

Corbin Burnes' Orioles debut set for spring training opener against the Red Sox

Burnes is easily the biggest name the Orioles have used as the starting pitcher for their first spring training game. In the Brandon Hyde era in Baltimore, the team has started Yefry Ramirez, Chandler Shepherd, Thomas Eshelman, Spenser Watkins, and Drew Rom.

According to Roch Kubatko, the Orioles will have Burnes on a pitch count on Saturday, though he didn't say a number they were aiming for. He added the Orioles are hoping Burnes gets through two to three innings.

Brandon Hyde said his plan for most of the spring is to pick starters for games who are also projected to start the season in the rotation, likely to build them up more before the season kicks off at the end of March.

While Hyde didn't announce Burnes as the opening day starter when the Orioles take on the Los Angeles Angels on March 28, it's probably a safe bet to pencil Burnes in as the starting pitcher at 3:05 Eastern.