A week where the Orioles haven’t been able to escape the impact of the COVID-19 virus continued in that vein Friday when high-risk young pitcher Kohl Stewart, who has Type 1 Diabetes, opted-out of the season. Stewart’s departure washed out some of the relief that came when first baseman Chris Davis returned to the team after a coronavirus scare that brought the threat of the virus back into their midst for the first time since the beginning of summer camp.
Stewart, the 25-year-old former top pick of the Minnesota Twins who was the only pitcher the Orioles signed to a free agent contract this offseason, asked to have more conversations with the team this week, manager Brandon Hyde said.