:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60785203/usa_today_10907421.0.jpg)
There are 48 more Orioles games still to be played until we are all freed from the torment that is this season. One of them is tonight as they finish this three-game series against the Rays.
Either an Orioles loss or a Red Sox win tonight sets up the possibility of the Orioles being mathematically eliminated from the AL East tomorrow night. The Orioles would have to go 28-20 for the rest of the season to avoid 100 losses. They need to finish at least 20-28 in order to preserve Buck Showalter having a .500 or better tenure as Orioles manager at the close of the season. Neither of these are very likely, frankly.
Nothing says excitement for the remaining games quite like this starting lineup:
- Jace Peterson - RF
- Tim Beckham - SS
- Jonathan Villar - 2B
- Mark Trumbo - DH
- Trey Mancini - LF
- Renato Nunez - 3B
- Chris Davis - 1B
- Joey Rickard - CF
- Austin Wynns - C
That’s in support of starting pitcher David Hess.
Even hopes of a coming shake-up with the possible arrival of Cedric Mullins this weekend may be dashed by the unfortunate timing of Mullins contracting a stomach illness on Tuesday and missing the last three Tides games. First he needs to get well and then the O’s should probably make sure he’s back at game speed before letting him debut in MLB. Give the guy a chance to succeed. That’s not much fun for fans in the meantime.
Not much about the Orioles is fun right now. Even when they managed to win on Friday night, there was still the misery of the five errors. The defense is no better here tonight.
With a win, the Orioles will be a half-game better than the Royals and thus no longer in possession of the worst record in MLB. A loss would send the O’s a half-game below the Royals and give them sole possession of the worst record in MLB.