The Baltimore Orioles have officially reached the 80-game mark, which means it is time to get into the meat and potatoes of the 2026 season.
While the last 20 games have been a bit of a roller coaster, Baltimore remains in a solid position as the season approaches its midpoint. Let’s talk about how the last few weeks have looked.
From 60 Games to 80
When we last checked in on the Orioles, the club had just completed its first 20-game stretch with a winning record and sat at 28-32. Since then, Baltimore has gone 10-10 from June 1 through June 22, bringing its record to 38-42.
Some things have remained unchanged since Vibes Check Edition 3, most notably the exceptional work of the starting rotation. At the same time, several players have elevated their performance while others have struggled to regain form after returning from injury.
So, how do things feel? The answer is mixed. Let’s break it down.
Great Vibes: The Rotation Continues to Deliver
This section earned the “Great Vibes” label in the last edition, and it deserves that recognition again.
In June, the Orioles’ rotation has posted a 3.89 ERA. While that is slightly higher than the number from Vibes Check Edition 3, it is important to remember where this staff started. Through the first 51 games, Baltimore carried a 5.88 team ERA, and that number now sits at 4.45.
Shane Baz continues to dominate. Over four June starts, he owns a 2.92 ERA across 24.2 innings. Baz has allowed eight earned runs during that stretch, but five came in the first innings of games. Once he settles in, he has consistently controlled games.
Brandon Young has been equally impressive, posting a 2.59 ERA in 24.1 innings while holding opponents to a .207 batting average.
The biggest difference-maker, however, has been Trevor Rogers. After his May 29 start against the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers carried a 6.84 ERA. Since then, he has posted a 2.22 ERA over four starts, allowing six earned runs while striking out 16. Opponents have hit just .195 against him during that span, lowering his season ERA to 5.30.
It may not be the 1.81 ERA Oriole fans saw from Rogers in 2025, but the adjustments have clearly paid off. No matter who takes the mound, Baltimore continues to build a formidable rotation.
Good Vibes: The Offense is Blazing Hot
The Orioles’ offense from June 1 through June 22 can be summarized in three categories: Blaze Alexander, Pete Alonso and everyone else.
Alexander has emerged as one of the hottest hitters in baseball. In June, he is slashing .413/.451/.674 with a team-leading 1.125 OPS. He has collected 19 hits, six doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs.
Meanwhile, Alonso has rediscovered his power stroke. The Polar Bear has launched seven home runs this month while posting a .975 OPS, 21 hits and 17 RBIs.
The supporting cast has contributed as well. Jeremiah Jackson is batting .333 and has driven in six runs, Adley Rutschman has recorded 11 RBIs this month, Colton Cowser has hit four home runs, Taylor Ward has collected 23 hits and Gunnar Henderson has drawn 13 walks.
The offense has finally found a rhythm, and maintaining that momentum will be critical if the Orioles hope to remain in the postseason race.
Stressful Vibes: Injuries and Rehabs
Injuries are a part of baseball, but the Orioles have faced several concerning situations in recent weeks.
Most recently, Adley Rutschman landed on the 7-day injured list after taking a throw to the head in Seattle. Earlier this month, Chris Bassitt was placed on the injured list with a lower back injury after making his lone June start. Jackson Holliday and Blaze Alexander were also removed from games this past week due to separate ailments.
As concerning as those injuries are, what happens after players return may be even more alarming.
Ryan Helsley was activated on June 16 after making just two rehab appearances with Triple-A Norfolk. In his first game back, he surrendered back-to-back home runs to the Seattle Mariners before securing the save. In his next outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he allowed a home run to Shohei Ohtani, walked two batters and helped fuel a comeback victory for LA.
Holliday has faced similar struggles. Since returning on May 18, he has hit just .173 with a .619 OPS in the month of June.
Dylan Beavers is rehabbing with Norfolk. Cade Povich and Dean Kremer are working their ways back as well. Baltimore has not seen Beavers since May 10, Povich since May 7 or Kremer since April 18.
The bigger question is where those players fit once they return. The rotation appears full, and Bassitt will likely reclaim a spot when healthy. Could Kremer and Povich end up in relief roles for the remainder of the season?
Beavers should have a clear path back into the lineup as a left-handed bat who can platoon with Leody Taveras and Tyler O’Neill. For now, the Orioles simply need these players to get healthy and return at full strength.
Future Vibes: Finish the First Half Strong
The first half is rapidly coming to a close, and the Orioles have an opportunity to build some momentum before the All-Star Break.
The next 20 games include the final two contests in Anaheim, three against Washington, three against the White Sox, three in Cincinnati, three against the Cubs, three against the Royals and three in Houston following the break.
One unique challenge during this stretch is the number of off days. Baltimore will have breaks before the Nationals series, before the Reds series, before the Cubs series and during the All-Star Break itself.
Now is the time to put their heads down and get to work.
The American League appears significantly weaker than the National League, making postseason baseball in Charm City a realistic goal. There are still 82 games remaining. If the 2019 Nationals could sit at 37-39 on June 22 and ultimately reach and win the World Series, there is no reason the 2026 Orioles can not overcome a 38-42 start and do the same.
What are your thoughts on the vibes of the Orioles right now? 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!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Zack’s content? Follow him on X – @Zackattack8211 and @OsMilbUpdates for all the latest news and updates on the O’s farm system!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment