Fire up the peanuts and pass the crackerjacks as the 2023 Major League Baseball season kicks off on Thursday. In Boston, two teams looking to move up in the AL East standings this season will square off as the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore improved from last place in 2021 to threaten for a wildcard spot in 2022 before settling into fourth place. The Red Sox, meanwhile, had a dismal season in 2022, finishing in last place in the AL East after reaching the ALCS in 2021. Both teams made some moves in the offseason and two of those moves will be on the mound opposing each other on Thursday as right-hander Kyle Gibson, 10-8 with a 5.05 ERA for the Phillies last year, opposes Red Sox righty Corey Kluber, 10-10 with a 4.34 ERA for Tampa Bay last year. The opening pitch is scheduled for 2:10 PM EST.
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After winning just 52 games in 2021, the Orioles leaped up to 83 wins in 2022. The fences at Camden Yards were moved back before last season and, as a result, the Orioles played a faster-paced game built on base running and defense. This year, Baltimore hopes to make another step forward and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. In the offseason, Baltimore's brass made some modest moves and tried to strengthen the team's pitching staff and middle infield. Pitchers Cole Irvin and, today's starter, Kyle Gibson were signed and the Orioles added 2B Adam Frazier from Seattle. Both Gibson and Frazier bring playoff experience from last season and, in Frazier's case, the Orioles hope for a big bounce-back season from the veteran infielder. The core of the team is catcher Adley Rutschman. Rutschman hit .254 last season with 13 home runs, numbers that will surely improve with a season under his belt. CF Cedric Mullens hope s to return somewhere near his 2021 form when he hit .291 with 30 home runs for the Birds. Last season, Mullens home run total was cut in half and he hit just .253. The Orioles bullpen is led by Felix Bautista. Bautista took over the closers' role after the trade deadline last year and finished with 15 saves and 88 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings of work.
That's a wrap on Spring '23 ?? pic.twitter.com/vRzTpsN0xF
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 28, 2023
The Orioles will turn to former Phillie Kyle Gibson to make the opening day start. Gibson won 10 games last season in Philadelphia with an ERA over five. In the month of April in his career, Gibson is 11-12 with an ERA of 4.50. In his career, Gibson has faced the Red Sox eight times and has gone 3-4 with a 3.38 ERA. He has allowed just 38 hits in 50 innings of work vs. Boston. Last season, Baltimore finished just 9-10 vs. the Red Sox and 4-6 at Fenway Park.
Key Injuries: C James McCann and RP Mychal Givens are both out.
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