The talk of a remarkable run to a division title was subdued last night at Yankee Stadium. The Orioles are focused on securing the home Wild Card. That has always been the more realistic consequence.
They headed to Minneapolis Sunday night for the last three regular-season games, returning to Target Field where they swept the series last year by a combined score of 24-5. It’s an unusual finish line, symbolizing both the conclusion of one thing and the beginning of something far bigger.
A opportunity to throw the dice in October and possibly win Baltimore its first championship since 1983.
The season is developing. On July 7, the Orioles were 57-33, with a remarkable ability to shake off injuries such as shoulder lint. They had lost five of their previous six games before the break and were 28-32 in the second half before coming to Yankee Stadium and winning two of three.
Look at them now. With Jordan Westburg, Ramón UrÃas, and Ryan Mountcastle returning to the lineup, Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb in the bullpen, and Grayson Rodriguez shut down, the team is as healthy as it can be. There is no one else to wait for. This is it.
Despite yesterday night’s loss, it appears to be capable of a long playoff run as Major League Baseball struggles to identify a strong squad.
The lineup is significantly deeper. The at-bats are improving. The defense is tighter. Coulombe and Webb provide safer leads.
Although Seranthony DomÃnguez is the preferred choice for closing, Coulombe’s even splits offer a viable alternative. None are on the level of Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase or Houston’s Josh Hader. That is the penthouse. And that is one area where the Orioles appear to be at a disadvantage.
Last night’s sixth inning saw Yenner Cano, Cionel Pérez, and Bryan Baker combine to surrender six runs. In the eighth inning, Aaron Judge launched a majestic two-run homer against Baker. The ‘pen has its cringeworthy moments. They cannot occur in October.
Losing Rodriguez is the latest blow to the rotation, but the Orioles will send out a top three of Corbin Burnes, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer. Don’t cry for me, Argentina, said former manager Buck Showalter.
I am sure he borrowed the line from elsewhere.
Albert Suárez can serve as a fourth starter or add length to the Orioles’ bullpen. To reduce the roster to 13 pitchers, the decision may come down to carrying Baker or rookie Cade Povich. Or perhaps it is neither. Matt Bowman’s implosion on Wednesday, with four runs in the ninth inning and only one out, and Alex Verdugo’s solo homer off him last night, may not have an impact on his position, but they aren’t helping. You never know. The club is full of surprises.
There’s also the possibility that the Orioles will option a pitcher who won’t make the playoffs and bring up a fresh arm for this weekend. Anyone who is rested and able to absorb innings.
Manager Brandon Hyde hadn’t taken his foot off the gas pedal until yesterday night. The Orioles secured a playoff berth on Tuesday, but he stuck with his usual lineup the next night, and the Orioles scored nine runs and 17 hits. He wanted momentum to continue, and the first Wild Card wasn’t decided.
It still isn’t, but the math works in their favor. Get it done tonight, with or without assistance, and seat additional regulars.
The position player decision appears to be between Heston Kjerstad and Emmanuel Rivera. With UrÃas and Westburg returning to second base, Jackson Holliday’s presence in the middle infield and left-handed bat are valuable additions. And yeah, one was slashing.Prior to last night’s infield single, his stats were 169/.227/.290. However, he also serves as a pinch runner late in games.
As I previously stated, the Orioles will match up against their opponent. Rivera provides good defense at the infield corners, but Westburg, UrÃas, Mountcastle, and Ryan O’Hearn cover it. He is a right-handed hitter, as are Westburg, UrÃas, and Mountcastle.
Kjerstad provides power from the left side and an extra outfielder, but he’d likely be used as a designated hitter or pinch hitter. O’Hearn is also more likely to be the designated hitter with Mountcastle at first base against a right-handed starter.
