A win today could clinch a playoff spot for the Orioles, assuming the Mariners lose later in the day (first pitch at 7:05). That would be a pretty great weekend and would go a long way toward making up for what has been an absolutely brutal stretch for the Birds.
The O’s roster looks a little different today. Coby Mayo was sent back to Triple-A, but he won’t be replaced by any of the experienced major league players currently undergoing rehabilitation. Instead, 29-year-old outfielder Daniel Johnson will join the Orioles and wear number 53. Johnson has a bit of MLB experience under his belt, playing a total of 35 games for Cleveland between 2020 and 2021. This year he has an OPS of .768 for Norfolk.
It seems like the Tigers will use a true starting pitcher in this game. Reese Olson has typically thrown five or six innings in each of his appearances this season. However, he also just finished a nearly two-month IL stint last week. In his first start back from the break, he lasted 2.1 innings after allowing four runs and throwing 50 pitches. So if the Orioles offense can get some at-bats, they could get to the bullpen early.
None of that matters if they swing the bats like they did Friday. As is always pointed out, if the Orioles score five runs they have a good chance of winning the baseball game. Do it right, 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 Ibanez, 2B
- Wenceel Perez, 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)
