Hans Crouse: Everything you need to know

Crouse (lat) struck out two and allowed two earned runs on three hits over an inning of relief Saturday in the Orioles' 8-6 win over the Pirates in Grapefruit League debut. The appearance was Crouse's first of spring training and signals that he's back to full health after he hadn't pitched in a game since April 3, 2025 while he recovered from a right lat strain. After being cut loose by the Angels last April shortly upon suffering the injury, Crouse had remained a free agent until he signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles in January. He's likely to open the season at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles signed Crouse to a minor-league contract Tuesday, Brendan Mortensen of MASNSports.com reports. Crouse made just two appearances at Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels organization in 2025 before suffering a torn right lat and then getting released. It's unclear whether he will be a full participant at the beginning of spring training. Crouse appeared in 25 games for the Halos in 2024, collecting a 2.84 ERA and 34:17 K:BB over 25.1 innings.

The Angels released Crouse (undisclosed) on Sunday. After failing to win a spot in the Angels' Opening Day bullpen, Crouse began the season at Triple-A Salt Lake but seemed to suffer a significant injury while throwing just four pitches in his second appearance of the season Thursday. The Angels still haven't provided any details regarding Crouse's injury, but the fact that he's being released rather than placed on the big club's 60-day injured list likely hints that he's in line for an extended absence. Los Angeles selected the contract of right-hander Michael Darrell-Hicks from Triple-A to replace Crouse on the 40-man roster.