The Birds flew to south Florida for a series against the Fish. Let’s get some W’s!
These are the sorts of series that the Orioles need to win, and it would be really neat to see a sweep. Of course, this is Major League Baseball. There are no gimmes, and these Marlins were a playoff team a season ago. Although their 35-65 record may indicate otherwise, there is talent on this roster.
Miami went into the all-star break on a 3-10 run. They have come out of it with a home split against the Mets, but still have not won a series since June 23. The Orioles aren’t exactly in fine form themselves, but the offense flashed in Texas. Hopefully that carries over here.
Albert Suárez is back on the bump for his first outing of the second half. The veteran righty got nearly two weeks of rest since his losing effort against the Cubs on July 11 (5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 SO). The O’s need him back in the form that saw him allow only two runs over his previous 12 innings going into that Chicago series.
Every start Suárez makes could be his last one. He has been good, but the Orioles should be shopping for rotation help, and Suárez could be a huge asset in the bullpen. If Mike Elias is able to bring in both a frontline arm and a depth piece, that would allow them to reshuffle their current big league staff and bolster the thin relief corps.
These two teams could also be trade partners in the near future. Tanner Scott, a former Oriole, is back on their radar. The southpaw is one of only a few pending free agent relievers that are available on the trade market. His appearances are anxiety-inducing, but that is true of most of the Orioles relievers anyway. At least he is capable of striking hitters out, something the current bullpen could use more of.
Orioles lineup
- Gunnar Henderson, SS
- Adley Rutschman, C
- Anthony Santander, RF
- Ryan O’Hearn, DH
- Jordan Westburg, 3B
- Colton Cowser, LF
- Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Jorge Mateo, 2B
RHP Albert Suárez (5-3, 2.82 ERA)
Marlins lineup
- Jazz Chisholm Jr., CF
- Bryan De La Cruz, DH
- Jake Burger, 3B
- Josh Bell, 1B
- Jesús Sánchez, RF
- Otto Lopez, 2B
- Xavier Edwards, SS
- Nick Gordon, LF
- Ali Sánchez, C
RHP Kyle Tyler (0-1, 3.38 ERA)