The Birds look to repeat their performance form Friday night with a chance to clinch a playoff spot.
A win today could clinch a playoff berth for the Orioles, provided that it coincides with a Mariners loss later today (first pitch at 7:05). That would make for a pretty great weekend, and do a lot to wash away what has been an absolutely brutal stretch for the Birds.
The O’s roster looks slightly different today. Coby Mayo was optioned back to Triple-A, but he is not being replaced by any of the rehabbing experienced big leaguers. Instead, 29-year-old outfielder Daniel Johnson will join the Orioles and wear number 53. Johnson has a smidge of MLB experience under his belt, appearing in 35 total games for Cleveland between 2020 and ‘21. He has a .768 OPS for Norfolk this year.
It seems like the Tigers are using an actual starting pitcher in this game. Reese Olson has typically tossed five or six innings in each of his outings this season. However, he also just ended a nearly two-month IL stint last week. In his first start off the shelf he lasted 2.1 innings after serving up four runs and tossing 50 pitches. So, if the Orioles offense works some at-bats, they could get into the bullpen early.
None of that matters much if they swing the bats like they did on Friday. As has been noted consistently, if the Orioles score five runs they will have a good shot to win the baseball game. Bring the power, boys!
Orioles lineup
- Gunnar Henderson, SS
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Anthony Santander, RF
- Colton Cowser, LF
- Adley Rutschman, C
- Ryan O’Hearn, 1B
- Heston Kjerstad, FH
- Emmanuel Rivera, 3B
- Jackson Holliday, 2B
LHP Cade Povich (2-9, 5.74 ERA)
Tigers lineup
- Andy Ibáñez, 2B
- Wenceel Pêrez, RF
- Matt Vierling, 3B
- Riley Greene, LF
- Justyn-Henry Malloy, DH
- Spencer Torkelson, 1B
- Trey Sweeney, SS
- Dillon Dingler, C
- Parker Meadows, CF
RHP Reese Olson (4-8, 3.50 ERA)