SB Nation • 5 min read

Sunday afternoon Orioles game thread: vs. Yankees, 1:35pm ET

Where to watch: MASN/MASN+

Probable pitchers: RHP Kyle Bradish (1-1, 2.45 ERA, 30 K) vs. RHP Cam Schlittler (3-3, 3.41 ERA, 69 K)

Saturday’s loss to the Yankees sealed a fate that had been coming since May; with the 6-1 loss to New York the Orioles clinched their first losing season since 2021. And so, as we arrive at the last Sunday home game of the season, the Orioles have little to play for but the chance to sow some chaos in the AL playoff picture.

New York comes in to the series finale 7-3 in their

last 10 games and only three games back from Toronto for the AL East lead. While the Orioles won’t shake the bitter disappointment that come from not being involved in the playoff picture, they may relish the opportunity to play spoiler for their hated rivals from the Bronx. A win today would also level the season series against the Yankees, as the Orioles gun for their third consecutive season with a winning record against New York.

This afternoon will also see the last home start of the season for returning ace Kyle Bradish. The now 29-year-old has given Orioles fans a reason for optimism thanks to four strong starts as he comes back from Tommy John surgery. Last time out against the White Sox, Bradish posted a line of 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB and 9 K. Bradish has 30 Ks in 22 IP over those four starts, and has not allowed more than two runs in any outing.

The Yankees have often proven a though opponent for Bradish. In five career starts against New York, the right-hander has a respectable 3.24 ERA, but a less-than-stellar 1.60 WHIP and .260 BAA. Bradish’s first start of 2024 came against the Yankees in Baltimore, when he pitched 4.2 innings of one-run ball, racked up five Ks but ultimately did not factor into the decision in a 7-2 Orioles win.

Opposing Bradish is Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler. The 24-year-old right-hander will be making his first ever start against the Orioles, and comes into Camden Yards armed with a fastball that could cause the O’s problems. Schlittler ranks in the 95th percentile for fastball velocity, with his heater sitting at 98mph and capable touching triple digits. After a dominant August, when Schlittler posted a 1.60 ERA, he’s struggled a bit more in September. In three starts this month, Schlittler has a 6.57 ERA and twice has failed to complete five innings.