The Tigers are clinging to playoff hopes and have been playing good baseball lately.
Since the start of the second half, the Tigers have the best record in the American League at 28-22 (tied with Houston and Kansas City). In that same time frame, the Orioles have been middle-of-the-pack at 25-26.
They have gotten themselves back into the playoff picture, though the odds are still only about 10%. They are the first team in the AL outside of the playoff race, 3.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins and eight games behind the Orioles.
The Orioles will have their work cut out for them this weekend, although they are missing the Tigers’ best pitcher, Tarik Skubal. Tonight the Tigers are starting Beau Brieske, but he will just operate as an opener for just an inning or two. He will likely be followed by lefty Brant Hurter, a rookie who has appeared in seven games this year for a total of 33 innings.
For the Orioles, it will be big Zach Eflin. Eflin struggled some in his last start against his former team, the Rays. But he has otherwise been outstanding for the Orioles in the second half and he will hopefully be back to form tonight.
Orioles lineup
- Gunnar Henderson (L) SS
- Anthony Santander (S) RF
- Cedric Mullins (L) CF
- Adley Rutschman (S) C
- Ryan O’Hearn (L) 1B
- Eloy Jiménez (R) DH
- Colton Cowser (L) LF
- Emmanuel Rivera (R) 3B
- Jackson Holliday (L) 2B
SP: RHP Zach Eflin
Tigers lineup
- Parker Meadows (L) CF
- Kerry Carpenter (L) DH
- Matt Vierling (R) 3B
- Riley Greene (L) LF
- Colt Keith (L) 2B
- Spencer Torkelson (R) 1B
- Wenceel Pérez (S) RF
- Trey Sweeney (L) SS
- Dillon Dingler (R) C
SP: RHP Beau Brieske
Let’s go O’s!