Los Angeles Dodgers vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions August 27th 2024

Major-league-best Dodgers surge into series with Orioles

Before Labor Day even arrives, baseball fans are getting a taste of postseason intensity as the Baltimore Orioles visit the Los Angeles Dodgers for a pivotal three-game series starting Tuesday. This matchup pits two of MLB’s top teams against each other, with the Dodgers holding the best record in the majors at 78-53, while the Orioles trail close behind with the second-best record in the American League at 76-56.

Dodgers Dominate Despite Injuries

The Dodgers enter the series on a hot streak, maintaining a three-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West. This success has come despite the absence of key starters like Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who are both on the injured list. Since August 9, the Dodgers have surged ahead, winning 12 out of 16 games, thanks in part to strategic roster moves and the return of key players.

Jack Flaherty: The New Ace in Town

A significant boost to the Dodgers’ rotation has been the acquisition of right-hander Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline. Flaherty, who joined the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers, has been impressive, boasting a 3-0 record with a 3.22 ERA in four starts with his new team. He is scheduled to take the mound on Tuesday, making his first career start against the Orioles, a team he briefly played for in 2023 after a midseason trade.

Mookie Betts and Max Muncy: The Offensive Engines

The Dodgers’ resurgence has also been fueled by the return of two key hitters: Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. Betts, back from a broken hand, continues to be a game-changer, as evidenced by his clutch two-run homer in the eighth inning of Sunday’s 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Muncy, who missed three months due to an oblique injury, wasted no time making an impact, hitting home runs in the first two games of his return.

However, the team is not without its challenges. Freddie Freeman is playing through a hairline fracture in his right hand, yet remains a critical part of the lineup. As Betts pointed out, “It doesn’t really matter what kind of team you have assembled, you have to perform, and right now we’re doing OK, but we have to do it when it matters.”

Orioles Look to Regain Momentum

The Orioles, on the other hand, are trying to shake off a stretch of inconsistent play. Since the All-Star break, Baltimore has been middling with an 18-18 record and a 4-6 slide since August 16. Their recent 6-3 loss to the Houston Astros, where they managed only two hits, underscores their struggles.

Adding to their woes, the Orioles placed first baseman Ryan Mountcastle on the injured list with a wrist injury, while center fielder Cedric Mullins has missed the past two games due to a quad strain. Despite these setbacks, rookie Jackson Holliday has been a bright spot, with five home runs and 18 RBIs since his call-up on July 31, although his 26 strikeouts in 24 games suggest room for growth.

Cole Irvin: Homecoming and High Hopes

Taking the mound for the Orioles in the series opener will be left-hander Cole Irvin, a native of Anaheim, California. Irvin recently returned to the starting rotation after five relief appearances and is looking to build on his solid, though not spectacular, performance against the New York Mets last Wednesday, where he allowed two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings. In two previous relief outings against the Dodgers, Irvin has a 4.70 ERA, so he will need to bring his best stuff to contain LA’s potent lineup.

A Tale of Two Teams: Dodgers on the Rise, Orioles at a Crossroads

As the series unfolds, the Dodgers are riding a wave of momentum, with their sights set firmly on securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their balanced approach, combining a deep pitching staff with a rejuvenated offense, makes them a formidable opponent.

In contrast, the Orioles face a critical juncture. Despite having the talent to compete at the highest level, their recent struggles highlight the importance of staying focused and healthy as the regular season winds down. As Orioles third baseman Ramon Urias noted, “We all know that we have the talent. So I think we just have to keep the focus.”

Urias himself has been a standout for Baltimore, batting .345 with three home runs and 11 RBIs over his past 10 games. His performance will be crucial if the Orioles hope to turn their season around and make a strong push into the postseason.

Conclusion: A Series with Postseason Implications

This series between the Dodgers and Orioles is more than just another set of games; it’s a potential playoff preview with significant implications for both teams. For the Dodgers, it’s a chance to further cement their status as the best team in baseball, while for the Orioles, it’s an opportunity to prove they belong in the conversation of elite teams, despite their recent hiccups. As the action unfolds, baseball fans can expect a thrilling display of talent, determination, and postseason-caliber intensity.

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