When the Orioles made the controversial decision to trade Adley Rutschman to a division rival, it felt like they were throwing in the towel on 2026. Critics deemed the move to be an indictment of Mike Elias and his failure to establish a consistent winning window in Baltimore. The notion that Rutschman—a former first overall pick and top prospect in all of baseball—could leave the organization without a single playoff victory was unfathomable after the team won 101 games in 2023.
For many, that sentiment still rings true. But the narrative has evolved since last month. At the time of the deal, it felt like Rutschman's return to Baltimore would mark one of the only meaningful events in September. That's no longer the case. The Orioles will host the Red Sox with the third wild card spot still well within reach.
The Red Sox sent catcher Carlos Narváez along with prospects Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon, and Enddy Azocar to Baltimore in the trade. The deal also included a player to be named later or cash considerations. Harold Rivas, and 18-year-old outfielder, was eventually named the PTBNL. The inclusion of Rivas was contingent on Rutschman returning from the injured list after missing three weeks with left wrist inflammation.
Rutschman returned but is clearly not 100 percent. The catcher missed the last three games for Boston, but Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said he was "hopeful" Rutschman could return Thursday, but noted that the team is trying to do their best due diligence. Rutschman has been bothered by a hyperextended right elbow. A recent MRI revealed swelling but no ligament damage.
Rutschman's latest ailment adds another element to his emotional return. Fans want to wish the former Oriole well but don't actually want his team to win. They'd like to see him healthy, but also want Baltimore to "win" the trade. At the end of the day, Orioles fans should cheer for their team while expressing appreciation for one of the greatest fan favorites since Cal. I'd expect a touching pre-game tribute and a warm reception at Camden Yards.
Boston will arrive in town with a firm grasp on the second wild card spot. The Orioles will return home after a nine-game road trip that started strong but ended with arguably their worst loss of the season. Baltimore will need to dig deep with a depleted bullpen that let the club down multiple times on Wednesday.
The Red Sox story is one of the more remarkable from the 2026 season. The team fired its manager and most of his staff after a disappointing start before winning 15 consecutive games in July. Baltimore eventually snapped the streak with a 5-1 win, but the Sox have remained hot in the second half of the season.
If it weren't for Pete Alonso, Brandon Young would be a favorite for Most Valuable Oriole. Young went from being assigned to minor league camp in spring training to Baltimore's most consistent starter. He'll take the mound in search of his 10th win of the season. Young delivered seven innings of one-run ball his last time out against the A's, and the Orioles would absolutely love to see another deep outing from the 28-year-old.
Jake Bennett will be the first of three lefties that the Orioles face in this series. Bennett came to Boston in a prospect-for-prospect trade with the Nationals in December 2025. Boston optioned the lefty in May, but he's been with the big club since June 10.
The Orioles will look to newcomer Luis Robert Jr. and lefty-masher Coby Mayo to do damage against Boston's southpaws.
The Orioles will look to provide Shane Baz some run support for the second consecutive outing. Baz picked up his first win of August last week when Baltimore scored five runs against the Athletics. The righty has been as advertised for the most part since arriving in Baltimore last offseason, but the O's' refusal to score has led to a lopsided record. Hopefully the offense will respond at Camden Yards after a disappointing series in Colorado.
The Orioles were linked to former free agent Ranger Suarez before he signed a five year, $130 million deal with the Sox. Suarez has impressed this season but has yet to face Baltimore in 2026.
Veteran Chris Bassitt continues to occupy the fifth spot in Baltimore's rotation since returning on August 14. Bassitt has looked slightly more crisp with his pitches during his latest stint with the Orioles. The organization signed the veteran in part because of his postseason experience, and the team will look for a big outing during some meaningful September baseball.
The Orioles will finally face a right-hander on Saturday, but he's no slouch. Sonny Gray will enter the series with 16 wins an a sub-three ERA. Gray will take the ball on nine days rest after Boston elected to give the righty a few extra days. The 36-year-old said that he feels fine and that the scheduled layoff was planned to prepare him for "September and moving forward."
Whether the Orioles are looking to take the series, salvage a split, or clinch/avoid a sweep, they'll send out Bradish in Game 4. Bradish feels like the leader of the staff after signing a five-year extension in July. The Red Sox are obviously a tough opponent, but Baltimore cannot afford to drop this series. The organization will look for Bradish to deliver against another talented starting pitcher.
Bennett and Payton Tolle have both already surpassed their career highs in professional innings pitched. Maybe this will be the series that the talented rookies run out of gas? Tolle has won over the baseball community with his jovial personality and quality performance. The 23-year-old's Baseball Savant page is littered with red, but he does allow batters to put the ball in the air. Look for the Orioles to swing for the fences in the series finale.
How many games will the Orioles win in this series against Boston? Let us know your prediction in the comments below.
