As has been the case for a lot of this season, the Orioles come into this weekend’s series vs. the Braves with a degree to show. Baltimore thought they proved they had been prepared to be playoff contenders by sweeping the Astros in Houston. That level was then undercut by dropping two out of three in Fenway—although successful the series finale and ending the Red Sox’s 15-game successful streak was a pleasant comfort.
Now, the O’s welcome one other playoff workforce to Baltimore whereas wanting to make up floor within the Wild Card race (and dissuade the entrance workplace from promoting on the deadline). On paper, the Braves appear like an intimidating foe, particularly for an Orioles workforce that wants wins proper now.
Atlanta is 4 video games in entrance of Philadelphia in a really aggressive NL East, and has been on prime of that division for principally the complete season. The Orioles, then again, have struggled to keep out of the AL East basement a lot of the 12 months, and had been the final AL workforce to string collectively a four-game successful streak.
However, the 2 groups have been heading in numerous instructions of late. The as soon as juggernaut-ish Braves have gone 20-22 throughout June and July, whereas seeing their offense battle. Atlanta had the most effective lineups in baseball to start the 12 months, averaging 5.3 runs/sport throughout the primary two months of the season. During this latest skid, they’ve dropped to 4.6 runs/sport throughout June and July.
The offensive downturn has largely coincided with the harm to celebrity Ronald Acuña Jr., who’s been on the IL since June tenth with a hamstring harm. The former NL MVP is at present on a rehab project in Triple-A, and there’s an out of doors likelihood he might rejoin the Braves in Baltimore this weekend.
The Orioles will want to overcome their very own harm woes if they need to preserve their latest sizzling streak going. The O’s are 11-5 in July and 8-2 of their final 10. However, the lineup is now with out the likes of Blaze Alexander (damaged hand), Adley Rutschman (left wrist irritation) and Samuel Basallo (proper shoulder irritation). Christian Encarnacion-Strand has to this point crammed in admirably for Alexander, however backup catchers Sam Huff and Chadwick Tromp have but to file a success since rejoining the roster.
The O’s have received two straight series towards the Braves, sweeping them in Atlanta final season and taking two of three in Baltimore again in 2024. The O’s will hope to they’ll replicate final season’s offensive efficiency towards Atlanta, with the Baltimore bats launching six residence runs within the three-game sweep of the Braves.
Game 1, Friday, July twenty fourth, 7:05pm ET
Probable pitchers: TBD vs. RHP Grant Holmes (6-4, 3.70 ERA, 78 Ks)
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
After reshuffling the rotation to give Kyle Bradish some extra relaxation after signing his extension, the O’s have to come up with a artistic resolution for Friday’s starter. Cade Povich might get referred to as up from Norfolk to make his first begin within the massive leagues since May seventh. The lefty has confronted off with the Braves as soon as earlier than, tossing six shutout innings in a 4-2 Baltimore win. The O’s might additionally carry again Trey Gibson from the minors, or use Albert Suárez as an opener in a bullpen sport.
Grant Holmes pitched towards Trevor Rogers final 12 months in Atlanta, taking the loss regardless of a high quality begin. Holmes posted a remaining line of 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB and 5 Ks in a 2-1 Orioles win, along with his solely actual mistake approaching a two-run residence run from Jackson Holliday. Holmes has been equally sharp of late, pitching to a 1.89 ERA over his final 4 begins. He doesn’t normally give Atlanta a lot size, although, as he averages lower than 5 innings per begin this season.
Game 2, Saturday, July twenty fifth, 7:05pm ET
Probable pitchers: LHP Trevor Rogers (6-7, 4.28 ERA, 77 Ks) vs. RHP Bryce Elder (6-6, 4.06 ERA, 90 Ks)
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
If you checked out Trevor Rogers’ stats for the season, you would possibly suppose he’s having a down season throughout the board. If you’ve watched Trevor Rogers pitch lately, you’d know that he’s again to being the very same pitcher that received MVO in 2025.
Since the calendar turned to June, Rogers has a 1.69 ERA throughout eight begins whereas limiting opposing hitters to a .206 common. Each begin additionally carries a little bit additional significance for Rogers, who’s a pending free agent after the season. During the printed of Wednesday’s first sport, Rogers gave an interview the place he stated extension talks haven’t began with the Orioles, however he actually desires to keep in Baltimore.
If the southpaw desires to persuade the O’s to supply him an extension, he’ll want to reverse his profession numbers towards the Braves. In 9 begins towards Atlanta whereas with the Marlins, Rogers pitched to a 5.57 ERA whereas taking the loss in seven of the 9 outings. He did dominate his former NL East rival final 12 months with the Orioles, pitching 6.2 shutout innings with six Ks.
Former All-Star Bryce Elder will oppose the Orioles’ Opening Day starter, wanting to construct some constructive momentum. Elder, just like the Braves, obtained off to a sizzling begin this 12 months however has since light. Through his first 11 begins of the season, the 27-year-old right-hander had a 1.97 ERA and .190 common towards. In eight begins since then, he’s allowed 12 residence runs, put up a 7.65 ERA and given up a .321 common to opponents. Elder confronted the Orioles as soon as earlier than, placing up a line of 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB and 4 Ks.
Game 3, Sunday, July twenty sixth, 1:35pm ET
Probable pitchers: RHP Brandon Young (8-2, 3.25 ERA, 74 Ks) vs. RHP Reynaldo López (4-3, 3.95 ERA, 60 Ks)
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
Brandon Young avenged his worst begin of the season final outing. After giving up 10 runs over 4 innings earlier this 12 months vs. the Astros, Young pitched seven innings of one-run ball final Sunday in Houston. Young continues to be synonymous with successful for the O’s, with Baltimore going 13-3 in video games began by the massive Texan.
Young has made vital strides this 12 months when it comes to pitching at Camden Yards. Last season, in seven begins in entrance of the Birdland trustworthy, the right-hander had an 8.72 ERA and a .346 common towards. This 12 months in Baltimore, BY has a 3.08 ERA whereas holding opponents to a .258 common. The 27-year-old can even look to enhance his numbers in Interleague play, as he comes into this matchup with a 5.02 ERA in 9 begins towards the National League.
Looking to put a cease to Young’s sizzling streak is 2024 All-Star Reynaldo López. The 32-year-old Dominican missed most of final season with a shoulder harm and has cut up time between the rotation and bullpen this season. He simply returned to the rotation full time a month in the past, and in 5 begins since has a 4.84 ERA whereas averaging simply over 4 innings per begin.
López has pitched in Baltimore 5 occasions earlier than, limiting the O’s to a .203 common and placing up a 2.08 ERA. In his final go to to Camden Yards throughout his All-Star season, he tossed six shutout innings whereas limiting the Orioles to two hits and placing out eight.
Let us know within the feedback whether or not the Orioles will sweep the Braves, get swept or one thing in between.
