The Orioles clinched at least a tie yesterday, but pitching could be an issue today.
Happy Easter! If you celebrate like the rest of the faithful, by watching Orioles baseball, I hope you get a happy one today. Last night the Orioles bashed their way to a series tie behind five home runs off a tired Reds’ pitching staff. Both teams may have pitching headaches to deal with today, as the Orioles need a real bounceback outing from veteran Charlie Morton, while the Reds are having to go to a reliever for a spot start.
The Reds have their hands full dealing with pitching issues as today’s planned starter, the gifted Nick Lodolo (2-1, 2.31 ERA), was put on the paternity list on Friday. Plan B was Carson Spiers, but Hunter Greene’s short outing yesterday forced them to turn to Spiers for four innings of long relief yesterday afternoon. So instead we’re going to see Brent Suter.
The 35-year-old relief pitcher hasn’t been a starter since 2018, but he’s taking one for the team today. Suter’s arsenal features a fastball (44% usage), changeup (22%), sinker (19%) and slider (15%). In six appearances for Cincinnati this year he’s posted a 2.70 ERA. Although he isn’t a strikeout machine (three strikeouts in six innings), he’s been effective at limiting hits and walks, with opponents are batting .167 off of him. That’s all talking as a reliever, though.
The only Oriole who’s seen much of Suter is Tyler O’Neill, who’s 3-for-9. Ramón Laureano is 2-for-2 off the lefty. Gunnar Henderson has a home run off Suter in two trips to the plate.
As for Charlie Morton, current owner of an 0-4 record and 8.84 ERA, so far this is shaping up to be one of the worst seasons of the 41-year-old’s career. Morton has been the Orioles’ worst starter throughout the first four trips through the rotation, with opponents currently putting up a .968 OPS against the 18-year vet.
The hope is that he can pull out of the swoon, as so far it appears the problem has largely been command. Morton’s curveball has always been a weapon but opponents are teeing off “Charlie’s Uncle Charlie” with an alarming .870 slugging on the pitch. To boot, Morton’s 28% whiff rate on his curveball is his lowest since 2012. Not all command problems are easily resolved (or there’d be way more prospects who make it to the Majors), but it’s more correctable, from the point of view of an 18-year veteran, than simply losing strength.
Despite his age, Morton doesn’t have a ton of experience facing these Cincinnati hitters, although several have hit him well. First baseman Spencer Steer is 3-for-6 off Morton, with a commanding 1.238 OPS and Gavin Lux is 2-for-5. Jake Fraley is 1-for-9 and Elly de la Cruz has faced Morton six times, with no hits and a walk.
Orioles lineup
1. Cedric Mullins CF
2. Gunnar Henderson SS
3. Adley Rutschman C
4. Ryan O’Hearn RF
5. Ryan Mountcastle 1B
6. Jordan Westburg DH
7. Jackson Holliday 2B
8. Ramón Urías 3B
9. Ramón Laureano LF
Reds lineup
1. TJ Friedl CF
2. Matt McLain 2B
3. Elly De la Cruz SS
4. Austin Hays DH
5. Gavin Lux LF
6. Spencer Steer 1B
7. Jake Fraley RF
8. Noelvi Marte 3B
9. Austin Wynns C