The Baltimore Orioles opened the season against a familiar foe, crossing the border and taking on their AL East rival, the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Birds split the four-game series in Toronto with the offense exploding in the two wins and disappearing in the two losses.
It seems like so long ago that these clubs met, but 13 games into the season, they will face off again at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for two, after a rain postponement on Friday.
The Birds come limping in, as they have lost Zach Eflin to the IL, their second starting pitcher this season, along with swing starter/long-relief man, Albert Suárez.
With Colton Cowser injured and out for about four more weeks and Gunnar Henderson missing the first seven games of the season, Baltimore will try to step up and find a little consistency and swing the pendulum in a positive direction.
This series also marks the return of fan favorite outfielder Anthony Santander, who signed a five-year deal with Toronto this offseason. It will be his first time playing at Camden Yards wearing the opposing team’s uniform.
Opening the series for the Birds will be 35-year-old rookie Tomoyuki Sugano (1-1, 2.89 ERA). He will be opposed by Toronto right-hander Bowden Francis (1-1, 3.18 ERA).
Sugano will be followed by Cade Povich (0-1, 3.89 ERA), who got touched up by the Kansas City Royals his last time out. The Jays will go with their starter from Opening Day, who struggled against the O’s, righty José Berríos (1-1, 4.58 ERA).
BATTERY ❌-FACTOR
The season, thus far, has been one of fundamental breakdowns, questionable decisions and curious lineups. All of this falls on manager Brandon Hyde and his guidance, leadership and knowledge for the game.
While believed to be on the hot seat if the Birds fail to pass the first-round of the postseason, the seat might be warming up ahead of time with the inconsistency that the team has displayed through its first 13 games.
While it is unlikely Hyde will be relieved of duties as of right now, one would have to believe that the way this series unfolds could have a big impact on the skipper’s future moving forward.
The Birds need to win this shortened series, something they have yet to do this season through their first four. Therefore, Hyde must make better managerial decisions, put together a more consistent lineup and strategize efficiently for the Orioles to turn things around.
While the players will have to respond, it is Hyde who will need to prove his moxie to guide his team to victory.
GAME 1 STARTING LINEUP
This series will be available on MASN, as well as your local Orioles Radio Network station. The first game is scheduled to begin Saturday at 4:05 p.m. EST with game two set for 1:35 p.m. EST on Sunday.
The game that was postponed Friday night will be made up as a part of a split-admission doubleheader on Tuesday, July 29, with game one beginning at 12:35 p.m. EST and game two at 6:35 p.m. EST.
Will the Birds be able to turn things around against their AL East rival, or will the Blue Jays take control of The Nest and keep the Orioles from turning things around?
How do you see this series playing out? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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