Baltimore Orioles

Kyle Gibson has largely spent his 10-year career in front of poor fielders. Now the Orioles’ opening day starter is looking to bounce back behind a defense that could be one of the best in baseball.

A few hours after the Orioles announced veteran Kyle Gibson as their opening day starter, manager Brandon Hyde said Dean Kremer will start the club’s second game of the season.

The Orioles on Friday named veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson as their opening day starter March 30 against the Boston Red Sox.

James McCann, the 32-year-old catcher the Orioles brought in to back up Adley Rutschman, knows what it takes for a pitcher of Grayson Rodriguez’s talent to make it in the big leagues.

“It was amazing,” Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins said about playing for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. “All-around amazing experience. I’d recommend anybody who has that honor to take it for sure.”

Video games, golf and, of course, baseball are among the ways in which the Orioles’ young stars go head-to-head, forming the competitive bonds they hope will usher in Baltimore’s return to prominence.

Orioles reliever Mychal Givens’ status for opening day is in question as the right-hander deals with a sore left knee, an ailment that muddles the club’s bullpen competition with spring training nearing a close.

They call him a “gamer” and a “grinder.” He’s “dependable,” “scrappy” and “professional.” But no word better defines Orioles infield prospect Jordan Westburg than consistent.