Nelson Cruz would like to return to Orioles

After the Baltimore Orioles’ 2-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday, outfielder Nelson Cruz realized he might have played his final game with the Orioles.

Cruz, who is headed for free agency, has said that he would like to return to the Orioles. But the 34-year-old outfielder surely will get plenty of offers from other teams after leading the major leagues with 40 home runs.

His play in the postseason only improved his stock. In seven games, Cruz batted .357 (10 for 28) with two home runs and seven runs batted in. He had multiple hits in his first five games.

“No doubt it’s there,” Cruz said about his desire to return to Baltimore. “I want to come back no doubt. Just wait and see what happens.”

The Orioles got a bargain in Cruz, signing him to a one-year, $8-million contract. Cruz was coming off a 50-game drug suspension and no one was offering him a multi-year deal.

Cruz said his experience in Baltimore would play a role in determining his next step.

“Yeah, I love the clubhouse,” Cruz said. “I love all my teammates. The whole organization is great from top to bottom, even the guys you don’t see every day. They are amazing. They treat us the right way. … It makes every game more easy for you. They find a way to get it done. I appreciate that.”

The club is expected to offer Cruz a qualifying offer, a one-year deal for about $15.3 million. If Cruz declines it, the Orioles would receive a draft pick as compensation.

Orioles’ Chris Davis is still mum

First baseman Chris Davis, serving a 25-game drug suspension, was with the Orioles throughout the ALCS just in case the team reached the World Series.

He had one game left on the suspension, which he will serve next opening day.

Davis wouldn’t talk to reporters about the suspension.

“I don’t think so guys,” Davis said. “I’ve still got one game [on the suspension] left.”

Royals’ Jeremy Guthrie apologizes

Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie, who pitched five seasons with the Orioles, held a news conference to apologize for wearing a T-shirt that said “These O’s ain’t Royal,” a play on the chorus of the Chris Brown song “Loyal,” after the Royals’ 2-1 victory in Game 3.

The T-shirt rubbed Orioles fans and some of his former teammates the wrong way.

“I came in here with no intention of inciting anything,” Guthrie said. “What ensued was not what I intended. There was no intention to call the attention to the other team, friends, and former teammates, certainly not the organization and most definitely not their fans. … This is totally on my shoulders. I take that. That’s why I wanted to call you here together and to apologize to everybody.”