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The Orioles lost at home to the Royals yesterday by a single run, and they’re 2-2 against Kansas City on the year. But with three more games in the series, the Birds have the chance to tilt that ratio in their favor. On a warm evening in downtown Baltimore, this game will feature a matchup of two 24-year-old rookie starters.
Alexander Wells will get the ball for the O’s after being recalled on September 1. This will be his first career start at Camden Yards, although he’s made one relief appearance at home this year. The Orioles left-hander is carrying an inflated 7.71 ERA and a 5.25 FIP in 18.2 innings pitched. His last start was on August 3 against the Yankees, when he allowed six runs in 2.1 innings. His most recent appearance was in relief on August 10 against the Tigers, when he allowed three hits and one run in an inning of work. During his brief major league exposure, Wells is holding left-handed hitters to a .192 batting average. But righties are teeing off against him to the tune of a .393 BA.
The Royals will send rookie Jackson Kowar to the mound for his fourth major league start. The right-hander — taken 33rd overall in the 2018 draft — made three appearances for Kansas City in June and was recalled again on September 1, when he tossed six innings of two-run ball against the Indians. According to Baseball Savant, Kowar features a four-seam fastball that touches the mid-90s, along with a changeup, slider, and curveball.
Orioles lineup
- Cedric Mullins CF
- Ryan Mountcastle 1B
- Anthony Santander RF
- Austin Hays LF
- Pedro Severino C
- DJ Stewart DH
- Jorge Mateo SS
- Jahmai Jones 2B
- Kelvin Gutiérrez 3B
LHP Alexander Wells
Royals lineup
- Whit Merrifield 2B
- Nicky Lopez SS
- Salvador Perez C
- Adalberto Mondesi 3B
- Carlos Santana 1B
- Andrew Benintendi LF
- Edward Olivares RF
- Michael A. Taylor CF
- Hunter Dozier DH
RHP Jackson Kowar