The Baltimore Orioles have something to play for, not only fighting for a postseason spot but in a battle for the AL East title.
The Chicago White Sox are working on avoiding losing history. Currently on pace to lose 126 games, they would set the major league record for futility by at least six games if they continue their pace.
The Orioles, in need of a big jump-start, return home after a 3-3 road trip. They are currently trailing the New York Yankees by just a half game in the division.
When the Birds met the ChiSox earlier this year, they swept a four-game series and were a completely different team, health-wise, that is.
This time, the Birds come into this series with at least 11 significant players on the IL and Dean Kremer nursing a wrist contusion. This becomes the type of series that can trap the Birds if they are not careful.
The Orioles will send Corbin Burnes (12-7, 3.23 ERA) to the bump open the series. He will be followed by rookie Cade Povich (1-7, 6.58 ERA) and Albert Suárez (7-4, 3.14 ERA) to close out the series.
Chicago will open the series with Chris Flexen (2-13, 5.29 ERA), followed by Nick Nastrini (0-6, 7.04 ERA) and Jonathan Cannon (2-9, 4.70 ERA).
ROSTER MOVES
The O’s made one roster move prior to this series, selecting the contract of utility player Nick Maton from Triple-A Norfolk.
Maton, 27, is back on the Orioles’ active roster for the second time this year. He made a two-inning cameo on defense at second base earlier this year but did not step up to the plate before being designated for assignment and outrighted off the 40-man roster back in June.
In 86 games at the Triple-A level this season, Maton has slashed .261/.368/.477 with 16 homers in 340 trips to the plate. In addition to that strong showing at the plate, Maton has flashed his versatility by splitting time between all four infield spots as well as both outfielder corners.
To make room for Maton on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated catcher David Bañuelos for assignment.
BATTERY ❌-FACTOR
The O’s offense has been one of the most inconsistent aspects of their game. Due to this fact, the Birds have had back-to-back losing months.
Part of the reason for the Orioles’ stagnant offense has been Gunnar Henderson. A catalyst for his team, Henderson is slashing just .190/.266/.310/.576 over his last 15 games, with only two home runs and six RBIs.
One way the Orioles could jump start their offense and start September off with a bang is to get Henderson’s bat going.
If the 23-year-old star shortstop can get back to swinging the bat like he did pre-All-Star break, he will jumpstart the lineup and help the Birds take this series.
GAME 1 STARTING LINEUP
The Orioles and White Sox are set to open their series with a 3:05 p.m. EST first pitch on Labor Day. Games two and three are scheduled for 6:35 p.m. EST, with each game available to watch on MASN or to listen through your local Orioles Radio Network station.
Will Chicago spoil the Birds’ return to the nest, or will the Orioles keep the Sox on their historic losing pace? It all starts this afternoon from Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
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