Good morning Birdland,
The Orioles four-game skid came to an end on Friday night as they beat the Rays 5-3. Pete Alonso stole the show with his 30th home run of the season and a snazzy diving put out to lead the O’s to the win. But Trevor Rogers also made a difference, delivering seven innings and allowing just three runs on six hits, one walk, and six strikeouts.
The losing streak did cost the Orioles in the standings. They are now two games back of the final AL wild card spot rather than controlling
their own destiny like they were a few days ago. But I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that if they go undefeated from here on out they will make the playoffs anyway. So just do that? Seems simple!
More seriously, the win on Friday was a blueprint for how the Orioles have wanted to play all season. They got a good start from Rogers and limited exposure of the bullpen. They also hit two home runs. The 157 home runs that the Orioles have hit rank ninth in MLB this season, which is good, but they probably expected to be even higher.
Dylan Beavers launched a solo shot in the third inning, his third home run in as many days. He is one of several Orioles that the team has needed more out of. His recent hot streak has improved his overall numbers to the point that he now owns a league average 100 wRC+ on the year.
Coby Mayo (98 wRC+) and Jackson Holliday (96 wRC+) are two other names that have seen their numbers improve post-all star break. A continued upward trend from this young trio is needed in order for the Orioles to make an honest run at a playoff spot. And don’t forget Gunnar Henderson (99 wRC+), who may have to finally find his “MVP” form as September nears.
Another matchup with the Rays awaits tonight. That has been good news for the Orioles recently. First pitch is set for 7:05.
Links
Holliday’s Players’ Weekend bat features … his dog Coconut! | MLB.com
Many of the players will be rocking custom bats, cleats, and other gear this weekend. Jackson Holliday is featuring his dog, Coconut. Samuel Basallo reps the Dominican Republic. Beavers has…well, a beaver. It’s good stuff!
O’s closer Bautista (shoulder surgery) to begin rehab assignment Sunday | MLB.com
This is exciting! The version of Félix Bautista we saw in 2025 was not as dominant as the 2023 iteration. That was after elbow surgery. Could we see another dip in form following a shoulder procedure? Maybe. But even that feels like a vital upgrade to a bullpen that desperately needs a late-inning arm. Whatever he can provide in 2026 feels like a bonus to what he can do in 2027 and beyond.
Orioles Designate Albert Suárez For Assignment | MLB Trade Rumors
Yet again, Suárez has drawn the short straw for the Orioles. This move was all about getting a fresh arm in the bullpen. The 36-year-old threw 36 pitches on Thursday, and the team needed reinforcements. This is the fourth time the Orioles have DFA’ed him this year alone. Odds are he ends up sticking with the Orioles, but he will need to go through waivers first. A team in need of some bullpen depth might snag him.
Orioles’ Christian Franklin has shown a knack for getting on base. His unique approach helps. | The Baltimore Banner
There is some consternation around Franklin’s presence amongst the Birdland faithful. Why him over Enrique Bradfield Jr.? Well, Franklin has played better at Triple-A this year, and he’s right-handed. The fit for what the Orioles need right now was just better. He’s probably never going to be an everyday player, but could work in the mold of Ryan McKenna from a few seasons ago. There is value there. Just don’t drop any can-o-corn pop ups, in Boston, Christian!
This, that and the other | Roch Kubatko
The question of who gets promoted when the rosters expand on September 1 is bandied about here. Blaze Alexander feels like a no-brainer, and the timing could be just about right. Maybe he is up a couple of days sooner even. Bautista feels less likely, simply because I expect the Orioles to take things slow there. Luis De León is also mentioned. The Orioles didn’t move him to the bullpen so suddenly for no reason. They seem keen to give him a big league audition.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Chayce McDermott turns 28 today. Acquired from the Astros as a prospect in the Trey Mancini trade, McDermott emerged in the big leagues with Baltimore in 2024. He would end up pitching in just five total games through 2025 before he was dealt to the Dodgers earlier this year.
- Randy Wolf is 50 years old. The lefty came to Baltimore near the end of his 16-season MLB career. During the magical 2012 season in Baltimore, Wolf was signed at the end of August and appeared in five games for the squad.
- Steve Kline turns 54. The southpaw spent the 2005 season working out of the Orioles bullpen, where he had a 4.28 ERA over 61 total innings. The O’s traded him to the Giants after the season in exchange for fellow reliever LaTroy Hawkins.
- The late Angelo Dagres (b. 1934, d. 2017) was born on this day. He played in eight MLB games, all of which came with the 1955 Orioles.
This day in O’s history
1966 – Frank Robinson nearly drowns after falling into a pool at a private party, but he is saved by Andy Etchebarren, who dives in to rescue him.
1998 – Cal Ripken Jr. scores his 1,500th career run as part of Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Cleveland.
2007 – The Orioles are torched by the Rangers, 30-3. The game sets several records, all of them embarrassing for the Orioles. What’s worse, that was the first game of a double-header. The Orioles lose the nightcap too, though with a more respectable 9-7 scoreline.
