The St. Louis Cardinals will be able to enjoy a brief stint of home cooking as they'll kick off a 2-series homestand Tuesday night as the Baltimore Orioles arrive in town. Both teams are in a similar situation with both still in the running for a Wild Card spot. The Cardinals, however, are reeling after a stunning defeat on Sunday after Riley O'Brien could not protect a 4-run lead in the 9th as they were swept by the Phillies.
The Baltimore Orioles are an interesting animal. Despite the fact that they're near the bottom of the American League East, they're only 1 game back of the final Wild Card slot. Similar to the Cardinals, they have several teams in front of them as there are currently 5 teams in the AL within a game of each other. The Cardinals starters are still a bit of a mystery, but MLB.com says these will be the starters for the Orioles:
Tuesday, August 25 – Chris Bassitt (RHP 4-4, 5.08 ERA, 46 SO)
Wednesday, August 26 – Kyle Bradish (RHP 7-12, 3.70 ERA, 129 SO)
Thursday, August 27 – Trevor Rogers (LHP 9-8, 4.14 ERA, 114 SO)
Chris Bassitt is winless in his last 3 starts. His most recent effort was August 19 against the Yankees where he tossed 5 innings allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits in a no-decision. Kyle Bradish is also winless in his last 3 starts. On August 20, he took the loss as he threw 5 2/3 innings against the Yankees allowing 3 earned runs on 5 hits while striking out 5 and walking 3. Trevor Rogers has won 2 of his last 3 starts. On August 21, the threw 7 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays allowing 6 hits, 3 earned runs while striking out 6 and walking just one as he got the victory.
I've heard some speculate that Tuesday night's game will see Matthew Liberatore start for the Cardinals, but I have yet to find any confirmation of that at this point. Same with Wednesday and Thursday's games vs the Orioles.
Who are the Baltimore Orioles players to watch?
Pete Alonso (1B): Leads the team in batting average (.271), hits (131), home runs (30), and RBIs (85).
Gunnar Henderson (SS): Gunnar is a major part of Baltimore's offense with 20 home runs and 76 runs scored.
Samuel Basallo (C): Emerging strongly with 16 home runs and regular clutch performances in the lineup.
Coby Mayo (3B): Adds middle-of-the-order power with 17 home runs.
Whose on the Baltimore Orioles injured list?
Blaze Alexander (3B) – 10-day IL (fractured left hand; targeting a late-August return)
Ryan Mountcastle (1B) – 60-day IL (left foot fracture and significant oblique strain)
(3B) – 60-day IL (season-ending Tommy John surgery)
Félix Bautista (RP) – 60-day IL (recovering from right shoulder surgery; beginning a rehab assignment)
Ryan Helsley (RP) – 60-day IL (right elbow inflammation)
The Cardinals/Orioles series should be a fascinating one. Baltimore is coming off of a strong weekend performance against the Tampa Bay Rays while the Cardinals are returning home after getting swept by the Phillies. Injuries to Hunter Dobbins, Andre Pallante, Masyn Winn and Everson Pereira have given St. Louis big challenges on managing roster spots and lineups. The Cardinals are fighting with the Marlins, Diamondbacks and Padres for the final NL Wild Card slot. The homestand with the Orioles and then Pirates coming to town should give St. Louis an opportunity to make up some ground. It's put up or shut up time regarding any playoff dreams this young Cardinals roster has. Let's hope it's the first option.
