Vibes around Birdland are pleasant this week. The Orioles have won three in a row, they are staring down the possibility of a series win, and have the White Sox in town this weekend. There is a chance of a season-altering run here. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The Orioles do have their ace on the hill today. That isn’t the role that Tomoyuki Sugano was signed for over the winter, but the 35-year-old rookie has filled it in the season’s first two months. He was pretty good once again in his last start: six innings, two runs, five hits, one walks, and three strikeouts as the O’s beat the Brewers 8-4 in 11 innings.

Sugano will be backed up by a unique looking Orioles lineup. Cedric Mullins and Adley Rutschman will remain on the bench. In their place will be Jorge Mateo and the recently-promoted Chadwick Tromp. Tony Mansolino told the press that they are trying to keep Mullins fresh and he would be available off the bench. Rutschman does not seem to be available, but is apparently still swinging the bat and being involved in baseball activities.

Tromp will be making his Orioles debut in this one. As one would expect from a 30-year-old that has had trouble sticking in the majors, you shouldn’t expect much out of his bat. But he knows what he’s doing behind the plate and is generally viewed as an above-average receiver.

Weather will be something to watch in this one. There is gonna be rain in the area throughout the evening. One would assume that if they start the game they believe they can get through five innings. We shall see.

Orioles lineup

Jackson Holliday, 2B
Ramón Urías, 3B
Gunnar Henderson, SS
Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
Ryan O’Hearn, DH
Dylan Carlson, LF
Jorge Mateo, CF
Heston Kjerstad, LF
Chadwick Tromp, C

RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (4-3, 3.07 ERA)

Cardinals lineup

Lars Nootbaar, LF
Masyn Winn, SS
Brendan Donovan, 2B
Willson Contreras, 1B
Iván Herrera, C
Nolan Arenado, 3B
Alec Burleson, RF
Nolan Gorman, DH
Victor Scott II, CF

RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.18 ERA)