We have reached both the unofficial halfway point and the 100-game mark of the 2026 season.
At first, this second-half vibe check looked like it was going to be another discouraging one. Instead, the Orioles have given Birdland plenty of reasons for optimism.
Let’s take a look at how the second half has started.
From 80 games to 100
In the last vibe check, the Orioles posted a 10-10 record over its previous 20 games. The starting rotation and offense were trending in the right direction while injuries were beginning to pile up.
Since then, Baltimore has gone 11-9 from June 23 through July 19. The club enters this vibe check riding a seven-game winning streak, including back-to-back series sweeps over the Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros. At 49-51, the Birds have climbed back within striking distance of a Wild Card spot.
Many of the same storylines remain, but several developments over the past three weeks have significantly changed the outlook of this team. Here is where the vibes currently stand.
Great Vibes: The pitching has been lights out
If someone told you before the season that the Orioles would rank third in Major League Baseball in team ERA during July, you probably would not have believed them.
From June 23-30, Baltimore posted a 4.69 ERA, allowing 33 earned runs across 63.2 innings. Since the calendar flipped to July, Orioles pitchers have surrendered just 36 earned runs over 118 innings for a stellar 2.75 ERA. Altogether, the club owns a 3.42 ERA during this 20-game stretch.
Trevor Rogers has led the charge in the rotation. Over his last four starts, the left-hander owns a 1.14 ERA, allowing just three earned runs across 23.2 innings. Even more impressive, he is doing it without relying on strikeouts, instead generating weak contact and working efficiently.
The bullpen has been just as dominant. During the final seven games of June, O’s relievers posted a 3.08 ERA after allowing 10 earned runs in 29.2 innings. In July, they have been even better, surrendering just 10 earned runs over 42.1 innings for a 2.37 ERA. Across the entire 20-game stretch, the bullpen owns a 2.50 ERA.
Yennier Cano has yet to allow an earned run in six July appearances, while Andrew Kittredge has also kept a clean ledger through seven outings this month. Tyler Wells has seamlessly stepped into the closer role, converting all three of his save opportunities in July.
For a bullpen that struggled throughout much of the first half, this recent stretch has been one of the biggest reasons the Orioles have climbed back into the postseason conversation.
Good Vibes: The Orioles are finally stacking wins
Normally, this section highlights an individual player or a specific statistic. This time, it is about something much more important.
The Orioles are simply winning baseball games again.
Baltimore is 10-3 in July and enters the week on a seven-game winning streak. The confidence and energy surrounding the club feels completely different than it did just a few weeks ago.
Several hitters have played key roles during the surge. Tyler O’Neill and Samuel Basallo have each enjoyed multi-home run games, while Basallo and Taylor Ward have delivered clutch late-game homers. Coby Mayo continues to launch towering shots alongside Pete Alonso, and Jeremiah Jackson has repeatedly come off the bench with timely hits.
For the first time in quite a while, this team looks like it is having fun, and it is translating into wins.
Annoying Vibes: Injuries and getting hit by pitches
Unfortunately, not everything has gone Baltimore’s way.
The bullpen continues to pitch well despite losing important contributors. Keegan Akin is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, while Ryan Helsley was transferred to the 60-day injured list over the weekend.
The injury concerns do not stop there. Adley Rutschman is dealing with discomfort in his left wrist, and Samuel Basallo exited Sunday’s game after injuring his shoulder on a swing.
And then there’s another frustrating trend. Can the Orioles please stop getting hit by pitches?
Baltimore hitters have been plunked 12 times during July, tied for the second-most in baseball. Since June 23, they have been hit 13 times.
Blaze Alexander, who was enjoying a breakout season, suffered an a broken hand after being hit by a pitch just before the All-Star Break. During the series against Houston, Dylan Beavers was struck in the ankle but fortunately avoided a serious injury. The Orioles were hit four times in one game and six times during the series, matching the total number of runs the Astros scored in those three games.
It is becoming an increasingly frustrating pattern that will hopefully change soon.
Future Vibes: What’s next?
The next major date on the calendar is August 3, when the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline arrives.
At 49-51, the Orioles sit two games out of the final American League Wild Card spot and eight games behind the division lead. That leaves president of baseball operations and acting-GM Mike Elias and the front office with an interesting decision.
Will Baltimore buy? Will they stand pat and make only minor additions? Or could they surprise everyone? The next 20 games should provide that answer.
The Orioles will play three games in Boston, three against Atlanta, three in Detroit, three against Philadelphia, three against the Angels, three in Texas and finish the stretch with two in Minnesota.
The series in Boston may be the most important. The Red Sox enter on a 13-game winning streak and currently hold the final Wild Card position. Minnesota is also 49-51, while Texas leads the AL West at 50-49.
Simply put, these next 20 games could determine whether the Orioles are buyers, sellers or somewhere in between at the trade deadline.
What are your thoughts on the O’s vibes after 100 games? 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