It’s been a forgettable series in Philadelphia, which has outscored the Orioles 18-3 in two games. It would be meaningful — even if not strategically relevant — to avoid a sweep in Game 3.
This is the scheduled pitcher’s duel on the calendar, with Philadelphia’s Ranger Suárez—owner of a 2.68 ERA, 3.01 FIP, and 1.132 WHIP in 16 games—squaring off against Trevor Rogers, one of the few bright pitching spots for the Orioles this season. In nine starts, the lefty Rogers is maintaining a ridiculous 1.44 ERA and 0.746 WHIP, which puts him in ace territory for the season. His FIP of 2.60 indicates that some regression to the mean is likely, but I don’t want to come back down from this cloud, and maybe Trevor Rogers won’t, either.
Rogers better have his A-game because, on paper, Ranger Suárez is a terrible matchup for this Orioles club: a finesse lefty with impressive numbers and lots of breaking balls. Though his fastball averages just 90.6 mph, his changeup and cutter are his main weapons, and he’s one of the league’s very best in avoiding hard contact. He doesn’t issue many walks, either. The boys in orange better come ready to play small ball.
Jackson Holliday 2B
Jordan Westburg 3B
Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman DH
Jeremiah Jackson RF
Coby Mayo 1B
Colton Cowser LF
Dylan Carlson CF
Alex Jackson C
Trea Turner SS
Kyle Schwarber DH
Bryce Harper 1B
Nick Castellanos RF
Harrison Bader, CF
Otto Kemp, 3B
Edmundo Sosa 2B
Weston Wilson LF
Rafael Marchán C