MILWAUKEE -- Mid-Atlantic Sports Network took a big step last month when it announced direct-to-consumer streaming options for Orioles and Nationals games. They're taking it a step further later this month.
MASN announced Monday that it will soon begin airing select Orioles and Nationals minor league affiliate games live across MASN, MASN2 and MASN+. The first game on the schedule is at noon on May 29 -- Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate Norfolk versus the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, broadcast on MASN and MASN+.
"We are excited to announce the addition of these minor league games, which will allow both Nationals and Orioles fans to see the franchises' stars of tomorrow on MASN today and further connect them to their teams," said MASN Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Bader.
The eight-game Orioles affiliate broadcast schedule includes five Tides games, a pair in early July showcasing Low-A Delmarva against the Fredericksburg Nationals, and one September evening featuring High-A Aberdeen. Eight Nationals minor league games will also be broadcast on the network, including the three contests between Baltimore and Washington affiliates.
The Orioles' farm system isn't what it once was. It's no longer considered the best in baseball after three straight years of housing the top-ranked player by Baseball America -- the first team to do so, with Adley Rutschman in 2022, Gunnar Henderson in 2023 and Jackson Holliday last year.
Still, there's some intrigue in Baltimore's future with the Orioles having fallen 16 games below .500 to begin this season.
Catcher Samuel Basallo and infielder Coby Mayo are at the top of that list, ranked Nos. 16 and 17, respectively, on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects list. Mayo made his major league debut in August but was on the outside looking in to the club's opening day roster. He was brought up for a week earlier this month. Basallo is still awaiting the call.
Until then, Orioles fans can watch those expected to be significant members of the organization's future on MASN.
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Thursday, May 29: Norfolk Tides vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, noon, MASN, MASN+
Thursday, June 26: Norfolk Tides vs. Gwinnett Stripers, noon, MASN, MASN+
Friday, July 4: Delmarva Shorebirds at Fredericksburg Nationals, 5 p.m., MASN2, MASN+
Sunday, July 6: Delmarva Shorebirds at Fredericksburg Nationals, 6 p.m., MASN, MASN+
Wednesday, July 30: Norfolk Tides vs. Memphis Redbirds, 6:30 p.m., MASN, MASN+
Thursday, Aug. 21: Norfolk Tides vs. Charlotte Knights, noon, MASN2, MASN+
Thursday, Sept. 4: Norfolk Tides vs. Nashville Sounds, noon, MASN, MASN+
Thursday, Sept. 4: Aberdeen IronBirds at Wilmington Blue Rocks, 6:30 p.m., MASN, MASN+
Wednesday, May 28: Rochester Red Wings vs. Columbus Clippers, 11 a.m., MASN, MASN+
Thursday, June 26: Wilmington Blue Rocks vs. Hudson Valley Renegades, 6:30 p.m., MASN, MASN+
Friday, July 4: Fredericksburg Nationals vs. Delmarva Shorebirds; 5 p.m., MASN2, MASN+
Sunday, July 6: Fredericksburg Nationals vs. Delmarva Shorebirds, 6 p.m., MASN, MASN+
Wednesday, July 9: Rochester Red Wings vs. Worcester Red Sox, 1 p.m.; MASN, MASN+
Sunday, July 20: Fredericksburg Nationals vs. Lynchburg Hillcats, 6 p.m., MASN, MASN+
Sunday, Aug. 17: Fredericksburg Nationals vs. Salem Red Sox, 6 p.m., MASN2, MASN+
Thursday, Sept. 4: Wilmington Blue Rocks vs. Aberdeen IronBirds, 6:30 p.m., MASN, MASN+