The Kansas City Royals are having a tough season, to say the least. With a record of 18-44, they are on pace to win just 47 games this year. Unfortunately, as Orioles fans, we have experienced that pain before.
The Royals come to town ranking in the bottom portion of the league in most offensive categories.
- 61 home runs (23rd)
- .380 slugging percentage (25th)
- 3.8 runs/game (237 total) (27th)
- .294 on-base percentage (30th)
Of course, on the flip side of this, the Orioles rank in the middle of the pack in most categories, though they are eighth in total runs (303) and 10th in the fewest strikeouts per game (8.3). On paper, this looks like an easy series win for the Orioles (38-24), but we all remember what happened last series in Kansas City.
Though the Orioles won the series 2-1, they struggled to contain the lowly-hitting Royals. Over the course of three games, Kansas City managed 23 runs, with the Orioles having to come from behind in the two victories. This is the type of game that can trap the Orioles, as Kansas City will do all it can to rain on the Birds’ parade.
Tyler Wells (4-2) will take the mound to open the series against Kansas City. Wells is in the midst of a 13-game streak of pitching five or more innings (averages 5.2 per game). On the season, opponents are hitting just .178 against Wells, while he averages 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
Wells will be followed by the returning Cole Irvin on Saturday, and Kyle Gibson will close out the set on Sunday. Kansas City will send Daniel Lynch, Brady Singer and a “to be determined” starter to close out the series.
ROSTER MOVES
Prior to the start of this weekend’s series, the Orioles optioned left-hander Bruce Zimmermann to Triple-A Norfolk and recalled left-hander Nick Vespi from Triple-A Norfolk.
Zimmermann was called up prior to the Giants series to take the place of Mychal Givens, who went on the IL for right shoulder inflammation. In two appearances, five innings, Zimm would give up four earned runs on eight hits, striking out six and walking none.
Vespi is 2-0 with a 1.77 ERA, 0.984 WHIP and seven saves in 19 games with Norfolk. He’s allowed four runs and 15 hits with five walks and 21 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.
Also, the Orioles will make another roster move prior to Saturday’s game to make room for Cole Irvin’s return to the big leagues.
BATTERY ❌-FACTOR
The Baltimore Orioles’ offense has struggled as of late. Cedric Mullins has left a hole that has yet to be filled, even with the recent signing of Aaron Hicks.
The good news is that Adley Rutschman has been his steady self, and Austin Hays has been doing his best to carry the offense. However, it’s young rookie Gunnar Henderson who will be our BATTERY ❌-FACTOR for the series.
Henderson has actually been performing better than most people would think as of late. His chase rate is in the 82nd percentile, and his walk rate is at an insanely high 15.1% (94th percentile) for the season.
Over his last seven games, Henderson is slashing .250/.318/.600 (.918 OPS) with two home runs and six RBIs. Is Henderson starting to come around? In order for the Orioles to take this series, he will need to be the deciding factor.
GAME 1 STARTING LINEUPS
Kansas City Royals (18-44): Managed by Matt Quatraro
1. Nick Pratto LF
2. Salvador Perez C
3. Vinnie Pasquantino 1B
4. Bobby Witt Jr. SS
5. MJ Melendez RF
6. Maikel Garcia 3B
7. Michael Massey DH
8. Drew Waters CF
9. Nicky Lopez 2B
SP. Daniel Lynch LHP (0-1, 4.35 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles (38-24): Managed by Brandon Hyde
1. Austin Hays LF
2. Adley Rutschman C
3. Anthony Santander 1B
4. Aaron Hicks CF
5. Ramón Urías 2B
6. James McCann DH
7. Gunnar Henderson 3B
8. Jorge Mateo SS
9. Ryan McKenna RF
SP. Tyler Wells RHP (4-2, 3.29 ERA)
Barring any changes due to poor air quality from wild fires in Canada, the first game is expected to start at 7:05 p.m. EST. Saturday has a 4:05 p.m. EST start, with Sunday’s game expected to start at 1:35 p.m. EST. Friday’s game will be on Apple TV+, with games two and three available on MASN2.
How do you see this series playing out? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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