The Orioles are back for another one of those “man, they’ve got to find a way to take two out of three” series. This one pits the club against the Texas Rangers. The Rangers (57-58) currently sit one game ahead of the Orioles in the chase for the third wild card spot. You can read more about Texas in Paul Folkemer’s series preview.
Jackson Holliday will bat third and play second base tonight against right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. The Orioles will look for Holliday to step up with Adley Rutschman and Taylor Ward no longer with the organization. Craig Albernaz will give the former first-overall pick a chance to make an impact from a higher spot in the batting order this evening.
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Gunnar Henderson will bat first and play shortstop. He’ll be joined in the infield by first baseman Pete Alonso and third baseman Coby Mayo. Tyler O’Neill will slot in as the designated hitter with Christian Encarnacion-Strand beginning the game on the bench. Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser and Leody Taveras will make up the outfield from left to right. Carlos Narváez will catch starter Shane Baz.
The Orioles have struggled to provide Baz run support this season, but it would behoove the bats to strike early in this one. Baltimore’s high leverage relievers should all be fresh after getting the day off in a 4-1 loss on Thursday.
