The Baltimore Orioles (59-37, 58-38, 51-39-6 O/U) battle the Tampa Bay Rays (60-40, 51-49 RL, 52-44-4 O/U) in a big AL East showdown on Saturday afternoon. The Orioles will give the call to Grayson Rodriguez. The Rays will reply with Shane McClanahan. The Orioles lead the season series 4-2.
Grayson Rodriguez will get the nod on Saturday. Rodriguez made his return from the minor leagues earlier this week and struggled, allowing four runs on seven hits in five innings against the Dodgers, resulting in a no-decision. The rookie right-hander is having a poor season. He was sent to the minor leagues after struggling and has a 7.33 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP accompanied by a 2-2 record in 50.1 innings on the season. He is one of the Orioles' top pitching prospects. Rodriguez has served up 13 home runs.
The Orioles have climbed one game ahead of the Rays in the AL East. The Orioles recently enjoyed an eight-game winning streak which has helped catapult them into first. The Orioles have cooled down a bit as they were dealt a series loss by the Dodgers this week, allowing 21 runs. The O’s stand at 8-2 in their last ten decisions.
We love a good rally. pic.twitter.com/cCqn8N5diC
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 20, 2023
Adley Rutschman has issued a stellar .841 OPS on the month. The 25-year-old catcher is having an outstanding season, delivering 13 homers with 42 RBIs and an .804 OPS. Rutschman has been contained by the Rays this season, posting a poor .566 OPS. Cedric Mullins remains on the IL.
Baltimore is averaging 4.97 runs on the season, marking them eighth. The pitching staff has recorded a 4.20 team ERA, placing them 16th.