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It is another game where the O's will try not to get swept, which has been a common theme this season. You all know the not-so-lovely totals. Baltimore did not beat an American League team in the month of June. They have lost 17 of their last 18 home games. They sit 36 games under .500. It is miserably hot outside today. Other than that, things are good in Birdland.
Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.20) will try to be the stopper today, but that hasn't quite been his role this season. The O's have lost each of his last eight starts. However, he's coming off a nice outing where he allowed one earned run in six innings of work and his ERA has fallen after each start he made in June. He is opposed by right-hander Deck McGuire (0-0, 5.40), who is making his third career major league start. The O's seem to have the starting pitching advantage in this one, but it wouldn't be the first time that Baltimore's offense has been stymied by a sub-par pitcher.
Jonathan Schoop is out of the lineup again. Buck Showalter seems to be giving Schoop the same, albeit more minor, treatment he gave Chris Davis. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow's off day makes three consecutive days off for Schoop as he attempts to right his disappointing 2018 campaign. Showalter did say before the game that he expects him to play on Tuesday. Meanwhile, it continues to give the organization and fans the opportunity to see what Steve Wilkerson can provide.
Jace Peterson gets the start in right field because Colby Rasmus is sick. Count me among the folks who would rather watch Peterson play. Chance Sisco gets the start behind the plate after Caleb Joseph handled the catching duties in yesterday's late-afternoon game. Danny Valencia, one of the team's most consistent offensive threats, gets the day off.
As we've been saying all weekend, enjoy the opportunity to watch Mike Trout play baseball. It's fun.