The Orioles’ loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday dropped their record to 5-8 for the season, as the team has not won a series so far this season.They split the opening four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays but have gone 3-6 since and are struggling to find some consistency. In their three wins they are averaging seven runs per game, while averaging less than two runs per game during the losses. It has been a tough start to the season, but they have only played three games in Baltimore so far, so this nine-game home stretch could be just what the team needs. They are battling injuries, especially from the starting rotation, but hopefully, some help will be on the way. The inconsistency from the lineup is also an issue, and the team’s best hitter, Gunnar Henderson has struggled since he returned from the injured list. The team is only 2-4 since his return and he is only hitting .160 with no home runs in six games. Henderson is still working himself into shape after missing most of spring training and will most likely return to form with time. Here is a look at a couple of factors that will work in the Orioles’ favor going forward.Pitching ReinforcementsOnce again, this season, the Orioles’ starting rotation has had a rough time with injuries, with two more pitchers added to the Injured List this past week in Zach Eflin and Albert Suárez. They now have seven starting pitchers out with injuries, but luckily, there is some good news about some potential reinforcements. They signed veteran Kyle Gibson at the end of spring training. The 37-year-old is close to being assigned to the minor leagues, so he can pitch a couple of games to get ready for the majors. He could be in Baltimore before the end of the month if all goes to plan. Gibson was signed after the Orioles lost Grayson Rodriguez with elbow inflammation.Rodriguez is working his way back and recently through his first bullpen session since being shut down. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said there were no setbacks and things remain on track. The hope is for him to return in early May if his rehab goes well.Home CookingThe Orioles started the season on road, including an early season West Coast trip to Arizona. They will host the Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, and the Cincinnati Reds over the next 10 days and will need to start winning some series if they hope to remain in contention. They had a similar stretch last season in early April that saw them go 7-2 in a nine-game home stretch that would propel them toward the top of the division. If they can repeat that performance and win all three series, it would go a long way to help forget about the tough start so far.The home games should be a good reset for Henderson, who has thrived at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with 23 of his 37 home runs in Baltimore last year. The fans will be happy to see him for the first time in person, so that should also help him snap out of his slump.PredictionThe starting pitching struggles will continue for the immediate future, but hopefully, the lineup can live up to expectations and help carry the team until early May, when the team should get some help from several pitchers returning from injury.
BALTIMORE —
The Orioles’ loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday dropped their record to 5-8 for the season, as the team has not won a series so far this season.
They split the opening four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays but have gone 3-6 since and are struggling to find some consistency. In their three wins they are averaging seven runs per game, while averaging less than two runs per game during the losses.
It has been a tough start to the season, but they have only played three games in Baltimore so far, so this nine-game home stretch could be just what the team needs. They are battling injuries, especially from the starting rotation, but hopefully, some help will be on the way.
The inconsistency from the lineup is also an issue, and the team’s best hitter, Gunnar Henderson has struggled since he returned from the injured list. The team is only 2-4 since his return and he is only hitting .160 with no home runs in six games.
Henderson is still working himself into shape after missing most of spring training and will most likely return to form with time. Here is a look at a couple of factors that will work in the Orioles’ favor going forward.
Pitching Reinforcements
Once again, this season, the Orioles’ starting rotation has had a rough time with injuries, with two more pitchers added to the Injured List this past week in Zach Eflin and Albert Suárez. They now have seven starting pitchers out with injuries, but luckily, there is some good news about some potential reinforcements.
They signed veteran Kyle Gibson at the end of spring training. The 37-year-old is close to being assigned to the minor leagues, so he can pitch a couple of games to get ready for the majors. He could be in Baltimore before the end of the month if all goes to plan. Gibson was signed after the Orioles lost Grayson Rodriguez with elbow inflammation.
Rodriguez is working his way back and recently through his first bullpen session since being shut down. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said there were no setbacks and things remain on track. The hope is for him to return in early May if his rehab goes well.
Home Cooking
The Orioles started the season on road, including an early season West Coast trip to Arizona. They will host the Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, and the Cincinnati Reds over the next 10 days and will need to start winning some series if they hope to remain in contention.
They had a similar stretch last season in early April that saw them go 7-2 in a nine-game home stretch that would propel them toward the top of the division. If they can repeat that performance and win all three series, it would go a long way to help forget about the tough start so far.
The home games should be a good reset for Henderson, who has thrived at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with 23 of his 37 home runs in Baltimore last year. The fans will be happy to see him for the first time in person, so that should also help him snap out of his slump.
Prediction
The starting pitching struggles will continue for the immediate future, but hopefully, the lineup can live up to expectations and help carry the team until early May, when the team should get some help from several pitchers returning from injury.
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