It’s game three of four at The Trop. A win will clinch the series for the Birds.
After taking the first two games against the Rays, the Orioles can clinch a winning series with a win today. That feels weird to say given that it’s Sunday, but this is a four-game series that won’t end until tomorrow.
It’s Grayson Rodriguez day! Grayson has been probably the third-best starting pitcher on the Orioles this year, which feels like it should be disappointing. But his 3.28 ERA is nothing to sneeze at and a ranking of third is more a function of how good the rest of the rotation has been. I, for one, am always happy to see him on the mound.
Zack Littell (12 GS, 3.56 ERA, 68.1 IP) is on the bump for the Rays. Last week against the Orioles he allowed three runs in six innings and gave up a home run to Gunnar Henderson. Who hasn’t at this point?
Speaking of Gunnar, after bashing his 20th home run of the season yesterday, he is back in his usual spot at the top of the lineup today. It’s a lineup to be happy with as far as I can tell. I know a lot of folks won’t like seeing Cedric Mullins in there but it seems the Orioles are giving him every opportunity to get himself out of his funk before they have to make a very tough decision. I sure hope he’s able to get there.
Also, Kyle Stowers left yesterday’s game with a sore wrist that he initially injured when diving on the turf in Toronto. It doesn’t warrant a trip to the IL but a day off will do him good. Let’s just hope it doesn’t turn into a lot of days off.
Ramón Urías is starting at third base. He’s heated up in limited action lately. With Jorge Mateo eligible to return to the team tomorrow there is a decision to be made about who will be taken off the active roster to make room. Could it be Urías? Connor Norby? Or (gulp)…Mullins?
Orioles lineup
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Adley Rutschman – C
Ryan Mountcastle – DH
Ryan O’Hearn – 1B
Anthony Santander – RF
Jordan Westburg – 2B
Colton Cowser – LF
Ramón Urías – 3B
Cedric Mullins – CF
SP: RHP Grayson Rodriguez
Rays lineup
Yandy Díaz – 1B
Brandon Lowe – 2B
Randy Arozarena – LF
Josh Lowe – DH
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Richie Palacios – RF
Taylor Walls – SS
Ben Rortvedt – C
José Caballero – 3B
SP: RHP Zack Littell
Let’s go O’s!