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After Monday’s off day, tonight marks the series opener of a three-game tilt between the Orioles and Rays at Tropicana Field. This will be the Orioles’ first visit to Florida since the Marlins debacle last month, when the team flew all the way down following a Sunday afternoon game and left without even playing.
Starting for the Tampa Bay Rays, 27-year-old right-hander Tyler Glasnow — who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall — is an imposing figure on the mound. He employs a three-pitch mix that includes a changeup, curveball and heavy usage of a four-seam fastball averaging 97.1 mph this year. Yet Glasnow has struggled to a 6.00 ERA through five starts, including an August 1st outing against the O’s in which he allowed two runs over 4.2 innings with three walks and five strikeouts.
The Orioles will counter with control-artist Tommy Milone, who has experienced quite a run of success recently. If you take out his opening day start against the Red Sox — when he gave up four runs in three innings — Milone has a an ERA of 3.00 this season. In his four most recent starts, covering 21 innings, Milone has been able to offset a .287 BAA with a sterling 20:0 SO/BB ratio. In his lone 2020 start against the Rays back on August 2nd, the O’s left-hander allowed one run over five innings while registering eight strikeouts.
Keep an eye on Rio Ruiz, who is batting cleanup tonight. The Orioles’ third baseman went 2-for-4 with four RBI on Sunday, and is 3-for-10 lifetime against Glasnow according to Orioles.com.
In roster news, the Orioles put LHP Wade LeBlanc on the 60-day injured list today with a left elbow stress reaction and recalled LHP Keegan Akin in his place.
Orioles lineup
- Cedric Mullins CF
- Anthony Santander RF
- Renato Nunez 1B
- Rio Ruiz 3B
- Hanser Alberto 2B
- Chance Sisco C
- Ryan Mountcastle DH
- Mason Williams LF
- Pat Valaika SS
Tommy Milone LHP