Orioles shake up roster before facing the Braves in July 2025. Tyler O'Neill returns as Dylan Carlson is demoted. Read about the major moves.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
As Baltimore prepares for a Fourth of July series in Atlanta, the biggest fireworks are happening on the transaction wire. The Orioles made a flurry of roster moves, headlined by the demotion of struggling outfielder Dylan Carlson to clear a path for the much-anticipated return of slugger Tyler O’Neill. It's a clear message from the front office: the time for patience is over, and the search for offensive production is on.
Struggling with a .234 batting average and a .650 OPS, Dylan Carlson was optioned to Triple-A for the second time in five days.
The revolving door at Camden Yards spun furiously on Thursday. The key move saw outfielder Dylan Carlson optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk just days after being recalled. His struggles at the plate were too significant to ignore, and with the team desperate for a jolt, the decision was made to bring back a healthy Tyler O'Neill from the injured list this weekend. The move signals a clear priority for immediate offensive impact as the Orioles try to climb out of the AL East cellar.
The Carlson-for-O'Neill swap was just the tip of the iceberg. The pitching staff took a hit with LHP Keegan Akin landing on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation, prompting the recall of RHP Yennier Cano and the selection of RHP Corbin Martin from Norfolk. The catching depth was also tested, with Chadwick Tromp's back strain leading to a call-up for Jacob Stallings. To round out the moves, the team signed shortstop Jose Barrero to a minor league deal, adding infield depth to a system suddenly stretched thin by injuries.
All these changes come as the Orioles, sitting at a disappointing 37-49, head to Atlanta for a crucial series against the Braves. Coming off a loss to the Texas Rangers, the team desperately needs to build momentum. The re-jiggered lineup will be tested immediately. For the Orioles to have a chance, they'll need their core stars like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman to lead the charge and hope the new and returning faces provide the support that's been missing.
With Tyler O'Neill's return imminent and a fresh-faced roster taking the field, all eyes turn to Atlanta. This weekend isn't just another series; it's a litmus test. Can these Fourth of July roster fireworks ignite a much-needed spark, or will the O's continue their slide? The pressure is on, and it all starts tonight against the Braves.
